CDC Upgrades Travel Guidance for Guangdong Chikungunya Outbreak

U.S. health officials on Friday raised their advisory for travelers to parts of China after a sharp surge in chikungunya cases centered in Guangdong province, where local authorities have reported thousands of infections and mounted aggressive containment measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention upgraded its guidance to Level 2, warning visitors to practice enhanced precautions as outbreaks of the mosquito borne virus spread in southern China and imported infections surface elsewhere in Asia and Europe.

Local authorities in China have reported roughly 8,000 cases in recent weeks, with Foshan city identified as an epicenter, prompting measures that include quarantines, drone spraying of insecticide and efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sites such as releasing fish to eat larvae. The outbreak has triggered heightened screening and travel advice from international public health agencies because chikungunya can cause sudden fever and severe joint pain that can persist for weeks, months or longer, particularly among older adults and other vulnerable groups.

The CDC said travelers to affected areas should take enhanced precautions, including using EPA registered...