Rabat — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised US citizens to exercise extra caution when traveling to China.
The warning comes as a mosquito-borne virus called chikungunya spreads quickly through parts of the Eastern country.
The CDC issued the travel warning this month after cases started rising fast in Guangdong province. Most reports come from the city of Foshan, where Chinese health officials have counted more than 7,000 confirmed cases since June.
Chikungunya virus spreads through mosquito bites. Most people who catch the virus develop symptoms within three to seven days after an infected mosquito bites them.
The most common signs include fever and severe joint pain, with people also reporting headaches, muscle pain, swollen joints, and skin rashes.
While most patients recover within a week, some suffer from joint pain for months or even years.
The CDC warns that certain groups face higher risks, including newborn babies, adults over 65, and people with diabetes or heart disease.
Deaths from chikungunya remain rare, but doctors have no specific treatment for the virus.
Local authorities in Foshan have launched a large campaign against mosquitoes. Workers send drones into the sky to find places where mosquitoes breed.
They spray residents with mosquito repellent before people can enter buildings. Officials also release mosquito-eating fish into ponds and other water sources.
The outbreak in China forms part of a larger global problem. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports about 240,000 cases worldwide across 16 countries and territories. These cases have been linked to 90 deaths so far this year.
The CDC said outbreaks also affect Bolivia, Kenya, and Sri Lanka, saying that Americans traveling to Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand face higher chances of catching the virus.
How to stay safe
Health officials recommend several ways to avoid mosquito bites. Travelers should use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. They should stay in places with air conditioning or screens on windows and doors.
The CDC also suggests getting vaccinated. Two chikungunya vaccines have approval for use in the US. Officials recommend vaccination for anyone visiting areas with active outbreaks.
Travelers should watch for warning signs during and after their trips. Anyone who develops fever, joint pain, headaches, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rashes should see a doctor right away.
