The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a Level 2 travel advice for the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, due to an increase in chikungunya cases. The mosquito-borne virus outbreak has prompted US health officials to advise travelers to take extra care and seek vaccinations before leaving.
The advisory, posted Feb. 12, marks the latest expansion of CDC’s global infectious disease monitoring as chikungunya transmission accelerates across multiple regions. Bolivia and Suriname were added to the Level 2 list earlier this month, joining active advisories for Cuba and Sri Lanka.
Which Virus Outbreak Has Led the CDC to Issue New Travel Advisories?
The CDC is responding to widespread transmission of chikungunya virus across multiple international destinations. The agency issued a Level 2—“Practice Enhanced Precautions”—advisory for the Seychelles on Feb. 12 following a surge in confirmed cases across the 115-island archipelago. Bolivia and Suriname received similar advisories earlier this month. Active Level 2 notices also remain in place for Cuba and Sri Lanka.
Chikungunya is spread to humans by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. It is not transmitted from person to person. Symptoms often develop three to seven days following a bite and include a fast onset fever and excruciating joint pain that has been characterized as devastating. Headache, muscular discomfort, joint swelling, rash, tiredness, and nausea are all frequent symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms and Who Is Most at Risk?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, while most patients heal completely within a week, some suffer from chronic joint discomfort that lasts months or years. Severe problems are uncommon, but are more probable in newborns, older adults, and people with underlying medical disorders.
Pregnant travelers are urged to reconsider nonessential travel, the CDC advised, due to the risk of vertical transmission during delivery. No specific antiviral treatment exists; care focuses on symptom relief through rest, hydration and analgesics.
What Precautions and Vaccine Options Are Available?
The CDC recommends that travelers heading to affected regions receive the chikungunya vaccine, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2023. The single-dose vaccine is authorized for adults age 18 and older who are at increased risk of exposure.
Health officials also emphasize rigorous mosquito avoidance measures. Travelers should use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and choose accommodations with air conditioning or window and door screens. Outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours—dawn and dusk—should be minimized.
Are Other Virus Outbreaks Triggering U.S. Travel Advisories?
Yes. While chikungunya is the principal pathogen behind the new February 2026 recommendations, the CDC has many active global health notices:
Measles: A global resurgence has prompted vaccination reminders for all international travelers. Domestic outbreaks are ongoing in South Carolina and Florida.
Mpox (Monkeypox): Level 2 advisories remain active for Ghana and Liberia due to confirmed cases and limited surveillance capacity.
Dengue: A Level 1—“Practice Usual Precautions”—global notice remains in effect. Dengue is endemic year-round in many tropical and subtropical regions.
All recommendations are evaluated and revised weekly based on case counts, health-care capacity, and transmission trends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the virus causing the new U.S. travel advisory?
A: Chikungunya. Due to ongoing outbreaks, the CDC issued Level 2 advisories for Bolivia, Suriname, and the Seychelles in February 2026.
Q: Is the chikungunya vaccine required for travel?
A: No. To avoid infection, visitors are advised to avoid contaminated areas. At the moment, it is not a prerequisite for admission.
Q: Can chikungunya be fatal?
A: Death is rare. Most patients recover fully. Severe disease is more likely in infants, older adults and people with high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.
Q: How is chikungunya different from dengue?
A: Both are mosquito-borne and cause fever and muscle pain. Chikungunya often produces more pronounced, prolonged joint pain. Dengue carries a higher risk of severe bleeding complications.
Q: Should I cancel my trip to the Seychelles?
A: The CDC has not issued a “Level 3—Avoid Nonessential Travel” warning. Travelers should follow enhanced precautions, get vaccinated and monitor their health for 14 days after return.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
