Rising Global Chikungunya Threat as Outbreak in China Exceeds 10,000 Cases, Spreading to a New Nation
Chikungunya Outbreak Spreads Across the Globe, Taiwan Issues Travel Advisory for Guangdong Province
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm about the chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne disease that has claimed the lives of 90 people and infected millions worldwide. Since the beginning of 2025, Reunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius have all reported major chikungunya outbreaks, with one-third of the population of Reunion estimated to have been infected already.
The virus has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries globally, putting 5.6 billion people at risk. The rapid spread of chikungunya in affected regions is a cause for concern, with the virus reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
South America produced the highest number of chikungunya infections worldwide, with Brazil leading the pack (185,553). Argentina has reported 2,836 cases, Bolivia has reported 4,721 cases, and Peru has reported 55 cases.
In response to a severe outbreak with over 7,000 reported cases as of early August 2025, Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has raised its travel alert for Guangdong Province, China, to Level 2 ("Alert"). This advisory urges travelers to take enhanced precautions against chikungunya fever.
For Guangdong province, the outbreak is serious and rapidly escalating, with thousands of cases mainly concentrated in towns like Lecong, Beijiao, and Chencun in Shunde. There is no specific treatment or vaccine available locally in China, so prevention against mosquito bites is emphasized.
The U.S. CDC has also issued travel advisories highlighting the health risks to travelers due to rising chikungunya cases in Guangdong, recommending similar protective measures and cautioning against travel to affected areas.
In summary, Taiwan has issued a travel advisory for Guangdong Province, China, advising travelers to take enhanced precautions against chikungunya fever. Heightened screening at ports and ferry checkpoints linking Taiwan and China is in place, and travelers are urged to wear light-colored clothing covering the skin, use DEET- or Picaridin-based mosquito repellents, and seek medical attention if symptoms appear after returning.
Taiwan is especially vigilant because of its proximity and shared mosquito vectors, monitoring travel and screening closely at ports and ferry checkpoints linking Taiwan and China. No official warnings to avoid all travel yet, but travelers to Guangdong should exercise enhanced precautions to reduce mosquito exposure amid the ongoing outbreak.
[1] Taiwan CDC (2025). Travel Advisory for Guangdong Province, China. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Page/120901 [2] U.S. CDC (2025). Chikungunya in China. Retrieved from https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/china [3] WHO (2025). Chikungunya. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chikungunya [4] Guangdong CDC (2025). Chikungunya Outbreak in Guangdong Province. Retrieved from https://www.gdcdc.gov.cn/yjxx/yjxxzx/202508/t20250801_211155.htm [5] Taiwan News (2025). Taiwan Raises Travel Advisory for Guangdong Province Amid Chikungunya Outbreak. Retrieved from https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4468964
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