FLASH
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American health authorities have sounded the alarm about a virus that is spreading rapidly and is considered dangerous, although so far, it has appeared in two areas.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an emergency health warning for those planning to travel to the Seychelles, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean known for their turquoise waters and exotic beaches, as well as Suriname, a small country on the northeastern coast of South America.
The warning concerns a significant outbreak of the chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne disease that causes serious symptoms, of growing public health concern.
Both countries were classified as "Level 2," meaning travelers should take extra precautions, including wearing multi-layered protection against mosquito bites 24 hours a day. The Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit the virus, are particularly aggressive during the day.
Although the CDC did not specify the measures, Level 2 guidelines typically include using insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in air-conditioned or controlled areas.
Chikungunya virus is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which are also responsible for transmitting dengue fever and the Zika virus. The infection causes high fever, severe joint pain, headache, muscle pain, swelling and rash.
Acute symptoms usually resolve within a week, but about 40% of patients develop chronic arthritis that can last for months or even years, seriously affecting quality of life. In many cases, the pain is so severe that patients have difficulty walking or performing basic daily activities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize that people over 65, those suffering from chronic diseases such as hypertension and heart disease, as well as pregnant women and newborns, face a greater risk of serious complications.
Less commonly, the disease can affect the nervous system, causing encephalitis, meningitis, seizures, and Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious autoimmune disorder that attacks the peripheral nerves.
Deaths from chikungunya in the United States are extremely rare, less than 1 in 1,000 cases, with most cases involving travelers returning from areas with outbreaks. Sporadic local cases have been reported in Florida and Texas, and in September 2025 the first locally transmitted case was confirmed in New York.
Globally, nearly 486,000 infections and 229 deaths have been recorded, which is increasing the concern of health authorities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that a vaccine for chikungunya virus is now available and recommended for travelers visiting areas with active cases. For pregnant women, it is usually recommended to postpone vaccination until after delivery and reconsider travel altogether.
Experts emphasize that those traveling to affected areas should closely monitor their health during their stay and for up to two weeks after their return, seeking immediate medical attention if they develop a fever or joint pain.
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