US Issues Level-2 Travel Alert as Chikungunya Cases Surge

The United States has issued a Level-2 travel alert for Bangladesh due to a significant increase in chikungunya cases, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. This advisory, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), also applies to Cuba, Sri Lanka, and Guangdong Province in southern China, where the number of infections has surged sharply.

The CDC’s alert encourages travelers to take enhanced precautions against mosquito bites and to consider vaccination prior to traveling. Health experts emphasize that chikungunya can result in severe symptoms, including high fever and debilitating joint pain, which may persist for an extended period. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings that the disease can lead to serious complications, organ damage, and, in some cases, death.

According to WHO data, between January and September 2025, there were approximately 445,000 suspected and confirmed chikungunya cases reported worldwide, along with 155 deaths. In Bangladesh specifically, around 700 suspected cases were documented in Dhaka during this same timeframe. The situation in Guangdong Province is particularly alarming, with the region experiencing 16,000 locally transmitted cases, marking the largest outbreak in China’s recorded history.

The CDC has also highlighted that travelers to several other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand, face an elevated risk of chikungunya. With the ongoing rise in cases, health officials are urging individuals planning to visit these regions to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures.

As chikungunya continues to spread, public health officials are closely monitoring the situation. Travelers are advised to stay informed about health advisories and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.