How concerned are you about the recent global spread of the chikungunya virus, including the major outbreak in southern China?
Global Health Officials Sound Alarm as Chikungunya Virus Spreads Across Continents
Health authorities are raising global concern over the rapid spread of the chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne disease causing fever, severe joint pain, and rash. A major outbreak in Guangdong Province, China, has seen between 7,000 and 8,000 reported cases since mid-June 2025, prompting the CDC to issue a Level 2 travel advisory. The World Health Organization warns that 5.6 billion people in 119 countries are at risk, with outbreaks also reported in Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe. Transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, chikungunya is rarely fatal but can cause prolonged joint pain, especially in vulnerable populations. While two vaccines (Ixchiq and Vimkunya) are available, health agencies have restricted their use in older adults due to safety concerns. Global health agencies are urging travelers to take preventive measures and for governments to intensify vector control efforts to contain the virus’s spread.
Options
- Very concerned — this could become a major global health crisis
- Somewhat concerned — but not panicking
- Not concerned — outbreaks are localized
- No opinion