The CDC has put out a Level 2 travel notice for Americans going to China because there has been a big outbreak of the chikungunya virus there. The warning, which is part of “Practice Enhanced Precautions,” comes after China recorded more than 7,000 instances of the mosquito-borne disease, most of which were in the Guangdong province.
What is Chikungunya?
Aedes mosquitoes that are infected with chikungunya spread the disease mostly through their bites. The term derives from a word in the Kimakonde language of southern Tanzania that means “that which bends up.” This depicts how persons with the virus’s severe joint pain look when they are bent over.
Some common signs are:
Fever that is really high
Severe joint pain that can be so bad that it keeps you from doing anything and lasts for months or years
Pain in the head and muscles
A rash and edema in the joints
Symptoms usually show up 4 to 8 days following a mosquito bite from an infected person. Most people get better entirely, although severe symptoms and deaths are unusual and mainly happen in young children, older people, or people who already have health problems.
China’s Reaction to the Outbreak
Chinese officials have put in place containment measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the epidemic that started in early July. Foshan has been hit the worst. Infected patients have to stay in the hospital beneath mosquito netting until they test negative or stay for a week. Also, people who buy medicines for chikungunya symptoms must now register with their real names.
How to Keep Yourself Safe
There is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya, therefore the best thing to do is to avoid getting it. The CDC says that those who travel to locations where there are mosquitoes should take extra steps to protect themselves from getting bitten. These steps are:
Using a bug spray that the EPA has approved.
Putting on slacks and long-sleeved shirts.
Staying at places with air conditioning or screens on the windows and doors.
The CDC also says that people who are more likely to come into contact with the virus should get vaccinated before they travel.