On Aug. 5, 2025, U.S. health officials are warning travelers headed to southern China of an outbreak of chikungunya, a disease spread by mosquitos that has spurred a forceful local response.

The outbreak has occurred in China’s Guangdong Province on the country’s southern coast, with most of the cases being reported in the city of Foshan, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a posted advisory.

Fever and joint pain are the most common symptoms of the disease. While most people recover within a week, joint pain can linger for months to years in acute cases, and medically vulnerable people are at greater risk of developing more serious symptoms, the advisory states.

The outbreak has prompted Guangdong provincial authorities to launch a “patriotic health campaign” of “clearing water and killing mosquitoes and building a healthy home together.” Authorities are calling on households across the country to drain coffee makers, while turning over pots and cans in an effort to eliminate all stagnant water.

Two chikungunya vaccines are approved for use in the United States, and the CDC advises vaccination for travelers who plan to visit an area with an outbreak. The CDC advises pregnant women to avoid areas with outbreaks.