The tropical island nation of Mauritius, known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, is grappling with an outbreak of the chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne disease that prompted Covid-era precautions in China last year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the country, urging Americans to 'practice enhanced precautions' when visiting.
Vaccination and Precautions Recommended
The chikungunya virus is vaccine-preventable, and the CDC advises all international travelers to get vaccinated before departing the United States. Additionally, travelers should use insect repellent and wear long clothing to reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Chikungunya spreads rapidly through communities with large populations of infected mosquitoes, causing large outbreaks.
Global Spread and Cases
In 2026, several countries including Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Guyana, Mauritius, Peru, and Saint Lucia have reported chikungunya cases for the first time, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). As of February 28, 2026, there have been 32,758 cases and nine deaths across at least 18 countries. In Mauritius, the first case was reported in January, and the outbreak is showing an increasing trend, with more cases in February than in January. From January to May 11, 2026, the nation recorded 2,816 local cases, including 102 active cases as of May 12.
Local Impact and Response
Mauritius, a small island country in the Indian Ocean off East Africa, attracts about 1.3 million visitors annually, including 15,000 Americans. Local officials report that infections are gradually increasing, particularly in regions such as Rose-Hill, Plaisance, Stanley, Camp-Levieux, Mont-Roche, and Roche-Brunes. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Comparison with China's Outbreak
In China, an outbreak began in Foshan on July 8, 2025, with over 3,000 confirmed cases in the first two weeks and more than 10,000 within two months. Guangdong Province implemented aggressive vector control measures similar to those used during the Covid-19 pandemic, including eliminating stagnant water, releasing larvae-eating fish, door-to-door inspections, mandatory patient isolation, and strict surveillance.
Chikungunya in the United States
Chikungunya has also reached the U.S. In September 2025, a 60-year-old woman from Hempstead, Long Island, was diagnosed with a locally acquired case, the first ever recorded in New York. Three additional travel-associated cases were reported in the state. The virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms typically appear three to seven days after a mosquito bite, starting with severe flu-like symptoms, high fever, and excruciating joint pain in the hands, feet, and knees. A rash, headache, and muscle aches follow. While most recover within one to two weeks, joint pain can persist for months or years. There is no specific treatment, but the death rate is low—about one in 1,000 symptomatic cases. However, the risk of death is higher (up to 15%) for people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, kidney, and heart disease. Deaths are often due to complications like kidney or brain failure.
Vaccine Efficacy
The chikungunya vaccine is about 98% effective, with immunity lasting for approximately three years. Last year, there were over 459,000 cases and 146 deaths globally. In the U.S., the CDC reported one locally acquired case and 466 travel-associated cases.
