An Untreatable Mosquito Disease Is Surging Across 4 Countries, CDC Issues New Warning

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning, advising Americans to increase their mosquito-bite protection as chikungunya sweeps rapidly across four international destinations. Chikungunya is known to be a painful, vaccine-preventable disease, but currently, due to an untreatable mosquito-borne virus, it is causing trouble.

The agency has issued Level 2 travel advisories for Cuba, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and China’s Guangdong Province, instructing travellers to practice enhanced precautions when visiting the aforementioned regions.

What Is The New Mosquito Disease

Chikungunya has circulated in tropical regions for years, but the latest surge has alarmed global health bodies. According to the reports, there is no antiviral medication available, and the only means of treatment aims wholly at easing symptoms.

The virus can be prevented with a vaccine, and US officials strongly recommend travellers get immunised before visiting affected areas.

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Symptoms typically develop within three to seven days following a mosquito bite and include the following:

• High fever
• Sharp joint ache
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Joint swelling
• Sometimes associated with a rash

Most people recover in about a week. However, many experience persistent, debilitating joint pain that can last months or even years. In extreme cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns of risks like organ damage or death, especially for older adults or people with chronic conditions.

Who Is Affected From The New Mosquito Disease 

On October 3 World Health Organization bulletin provided an indication of the level of the crisis:

• 445,000 suspected and confirmed cases reported worldwide from January to September 2025
• 155 deaths due to chikungunya during the same period

Some regions are experiencing unprecedented surges:

• Bangladesh: Close to 700 suspected cases in Dhaka.
• Guangdong, China: About 16,000 locally transmitted infections were reported, the largest outbreak ever recorded in the country.
• Cuba: So far, 34 confirmed cases from health authorities trying to contain the spread.
• Sri Lanka: 150 confirmed infections by mid-March, with cases peaking in June.

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More Countries At High-Risk

Beyond the four countries under official alert, the CDC identifies Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand as countries where there is an increased risk of chikungunya transmission, even without outbreaks occurring currently.

How Travellers Can Protect Themselves

As no cure yet exists, prevention is the key. Health agencies recommend that travellers:

• Get vaccinated before travelling to areas where the risk is high.
• Use EPA-approved insect repellents
• Wear long sleeves and full-length trousers.
• Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms
• Eliminate or avoid standing water, where the mosquitoes breed.

Experts warn that as global temperatures rise and mosquito habitats expand, chikungunya and other such viruses are likely to spread their wings. Until then, the advisory from the CDC is an apt reminder that simple precautions and timely vaccination are a well-timed counter-attack against an otherwise untreatable infection.