The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Playa Langosta, a popular beach community in Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province, urging U.S. citizens to "practice enhanced precautions" due to an active outbreak of the chikungunya virus. The advisory was prompted by the declaration of an outbreak by Costa Rica's health ministry on July 1, which has led to local transmission of the virus. Of 45 suspected cases, four have been confirmed and 17 classified as probable, affecting both local residents and tourists.

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus that causes life-threatening high fever, excruciating joint and muscle pain, and a rash. While most individuals recover within weeks, some experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and arthritis-like symptoms that can last for months or even years. The virus is transmitted by infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Symptoms typically appear three to seven days after a bite and can include a severe flu-like illness, headache, and muscle aches.

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The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) first alerted the Americas to a rise in chikungunya cases in February, noting a resurgence in areas that had not reported cases in years. Sylvain Aldighieri, director of communicable diseases prevention, control, and elimination at PAHO, highlighted the presence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the Intertropical Zone as a factor in the spread. "The purpose of this alert is to ensure that health workers and governments are prepared for potential outbreaks and can plan public information campaigns," Aldighieri stated.

A Level 2 advisory generally recommends travelers use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and ensure accommodations have sealed windows and doors or air conditioning. While the CDC does not currently offer a chikungunya vaccine, it recommends travelers consult with a healthcare provider before visiting areas with active outbreaks. As of February 28, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported 32,758 cases and nine deaths across at least 18 countries this year.

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Chikungunya has appeared in the United States. In September 2025, New York health officials reported the first suspected locally acquired case in the U.S., a woman in Hempstead, Long Island, who had not traveled abroad. Three other New York residents tested positive for the virus in 2025 after returning from countries where it is prevalent.

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China experienced a significant outbreak in July 2025, with over 3,000 confirmed cases in the first two weeks and more than 10,000 by late August in Guangdong Province. Authorities there implemented strict measures, including eliminating stagnant water, door-to-door inspections, and patient isolation.

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While the death rate for symptomatic cases is low, around one in 1,000, the risk of mortality increases significantly for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, kidney, or heart disease. Complications from kidney and brain failure can also contribute to fatalities. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, as the virus can be transmitted to newborns before or during birth, potentially leading to severe illness, cognitive deficits, and developmental delays.