Chikungunya Outbreak: US Issues Travel Warning for Indian Ocean Island

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued travel advisories due to recent outbreaks of chikungunya virus in several locations, including the Seychelles, Cuba, Bolivia, Sri Lanka, and Suriname. The advisories, updated as of February 11, 2026, aim to inform U.S. Travelers about the risks and provide guidance on prevention.

Understanding Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease first identified in Tanzania in 1952. The name originates from a word in the Makonde language, meaning “to become bent over,” describing the debilitating joint pain often associated with the illness. While rarely fatal, chikungunya can cause significant morbidity.

The virus circulates in tropical and subtropical regions globally. Past outbreaks and cases have been identified in over 100 countries. The CDC notes that surveillance and laboratory testing for chikungunya vary considerably between countries, meaning the full extent of the risk in all geographic locations isn’t always known.

Current Outbreaks and Travel Advisories

Currently, the CDC highlights outbreaks in several key areas impacting travelers:

• Seychelles: A level two alert has been issued for this island nation in the Indian Ocean.
• Cuba: The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Cuba, advising travelers to practice enhanced precautions.
• Bolivia: Outbreaks are occurring in the Santa Cruz and Cochabamba Departments.
• Sri Lanka: An outbreak is currently underway.
• Suriname: The CDC reports an outbreak in Suriname.

The CDC prioritizes posting information about outbreaks that could affect U.S. Travelers, considering factors like laboratory-confirmed cases, the number of people sick compared to historical levels, the time of year relative to mosquito season, increases in cases among U.S. Travelers, the geographic extent of the outbreak, and the potential for transmission to new areas.

Symptoms and Severity

Chikungunya symptoms typically appear three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever and joint pain. Other potential symptoms include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. Most people recover within a week, however, some individuals may experience severe joint pain that can persist for months or even years.

While death from chikungunya is rare, the prolonged joint pain can significantly impact quality of life. The CDC specifically notes that pregnant women should consider the risk of chikungunya when making travel decisions.

Prevention and Vaccination

The CDC recommends vaccination for travelers visiting areas with active chikungunya outbreaks. Precautions to prevent mosquito bites are also crucial. These include:

• Using insect repellent
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Staying in accommodations with air conditioning or screens on windows and doors

The availability of vaccines and specific recommendations should be discussed with a healthcare provider prior to travel. The CDC provides information on available vaccines and considerations for vaccination.

Factors Influencing Outbreak Risk

The CDC emphasizes that several factors contribute to the risk of chikungunya outbreaks. These include the presence of infected mosquitoes, the level of mosquito control, and the immunity of the local population. The introduction of the virus into a new area, or an area without recent cases, increases the risk of transmission and the potential for widespread illness.

The agency also considers the typical volume of U.S. Travelers to a region when deciding whether to issue a travel notice. This ensures that alerts are targeted to areas where American citizens are most likely to be exposed.

Staying Informed

U.S. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest chikungunya outbreaks and travel advisories by consulting the CDC website. The CDC continuously monitors the global situation and updates its recommendations as new information becomes available. Consulting with a healthcare professional before and after travel to affected areas is also recommended.