Could the mosquito-borne virus in China spread to the US?
Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel shares his perspective on whether the mosquito-borne virus in China will spread to the United States and how AI can be detrimental to children's and young adults' mental health on 'Fox Report.'
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging traveling Americans to be on high alert for a deadly mosquito-borne virus after reporting an outbreak of chikungunya in Cuba this week.
This announcement comes after reports that chikungunya virus may have been detected in the U.S., although no specific link between the two events has been revealed.
In light of the outbreak in Cuba, the health agency has issued a Level 2 Travel Notice: "Practice Enhanced Precautions."
CDC WARNS OF 'ENHANCED' VIRUS RISK FOR TRAVELERS AMID OUTBREAK SPREAD BY MOSQUITOES
Chikungunya virus is spread by infected mosquitoes, the same type that carry Zika and dengue.
Symptoms usually appear within a week of being bitten, according to various health departments.
Health officials urge travelers to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses. (iStock)
The virus often causes fever and intense joint pain that is sometimes so severe it can be disabling. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle aches, skin rash or swelling.
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Most people recover in about a week, but for some, the joint pain lingers for months or even years. Older adults and people with health issues like diabetes or heart disease are more likely to face complications, according to the CDC.
Locations of outbreaks
Previous outbreaks of the virus have occurred in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans. There is also a risk that infected travelers could spread the virus to unaffected areas, the CDC says.
After more than 10,000 cases emerged in China during an outbreak in late August, authorities applied safety precautions similar to previous COVID protocols, such as expanded PCR testing and quarantines.
A staff member carries out mosquito eradication work at the Changsha Railway Station oAug. 15, 2025, in Changsha, Hunan Province of China. (Getty Images)
The outbreak also spilled from Foshan into Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Guangxi through travel-linked cases.
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"While no locally transmitted cases of chikungunya virus have been reported in New York State, the Department urges New Yorkers who are traveling internationally to take precautions," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in an August press release.
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For Americans traveling abroad, the CDC recommends following the below best practices:
- Use strong insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
- Wear long sleeves and pants, especially while outdoors
- Choose lodging that has air conditioning or screened windows and doors
When outbreaks occurred in China, the government implemented COVID-level precautions like rapid-testing and quarantining. (iStock)
Pregnant women should be especially cautious because the virus can be passed from mother to newborn at birth, and infections in infants can be very serious.
Additional clinical trials are required to confirm the clinical profile.
Doctors typically recommend managing symptoms with rest, fluids and pain medications. There is also a vaccine, VIMKUNYA, for prevention of disease caused by chikungunya virus in people 12 and older.
For those who develop fever, rash or joint pain while traveling abroad, health experts recommend seeing a doctor immediately and mentioning any recent travel history.
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