Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) disease is currently not classified as a notifiable disease in China. However, both Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit this serious virus to people, are known to be present in Guangdong Province, a southeastern Chinese province.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), as of August 16, 2025, 9,933 CHIKV disease cases have been reported in Guangdong Province since the outbreak began in July 2025.
Last week, the Guangdong Provincial CDC reported 830 new CHIKV cases, primarily from Foshan (644) and Guangzhou (85).
Since international travelers frequently visit these Chinese cities, the ECDC has assessed the risk to visitors.
According to International Air Transport Association data from July and August 2024, more than 60,000 travelers arrived in the mainland EU/EEA from the affected region via the two major international airports situated near the epicenter of the outbreak.
The positive news is that Chinese public health authorities have implemented stringent vector control measures aimed at reducing mosquito populations.
Furthermore, given the typically self-limiting nature of the disease and the limited severity of clinical outcomes in most cases, the overall impact is considered low.
Therefore, based on current epidemiological data and control measures in place, the risk of chikungunya virus infection in travellers returning from the affected areas of Guangdong province to the EU/EEA is assessed as low.
However, the importation of the virus by travelers returning from China may result in additional local transmissions, as seen in France and Italy.
To alert travelers, on August 26, 2025, the U.S. CDC updated its Travel Health Advisory, stating, ‘if you are pregnant, reconsider travel to the affected areas, particularly if you are close to delivering your baby.’
Additionally, vaccination is recommended for travelers who are visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak.