In December 2025, a notable increase in Chikungunya fever cases has emerged across several nations, impacting travelers and raising concerns among health officials. The outbreak, particularly severe in Florida, has prompted collaboration between the United States, Cuba, India, China, and the United Kingdom to tackle this public health challenge.
Overview of the Chikungunya Outbreak
As of late December 2025, Florida has recorded 250 confirmed cases of Chikungunya fever. The majority of these infections are linked to travelers returning from Cuba, which is facing a significant arboviral epidemic. Additionally, countries like India, China, and the UK are also experiencing rising cases.
- Florida Case Distribution:
- Miami-Dade County: 159 cases (mainly linked to Cuba)
- Broward County: 23 cases
- Hillsborough County: 25 cases
- Other Counties: Smaller counts ranging from 1 to 13 cases
Despite the spread, Florida has not reported any locally acquired mosquito-transmitted cases. All infections resulted from travel to regions where Chikungunya is endemic.
Cuba’s Role in the Outbreak
Cuba plays a central role in the current outbreak, with a staggering 95.2% of Florida’s cases linked to the island. The Pan American Health Organization notes that Cuba is undergoing one of its most intense arboviral epidemics in recent years, originating from western provinces such as Matanzas and expanding to its capital, Havana. The influx of travelers to and from Cuba has led to increased infections in the U.S.
CDC Travel Advisory and Recommendations
In response to the outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Cuba. Travelers are advised to take heightened precautions, especially vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, elderly adults, and young children.
Recommendations from the CDC include:
- Utilizing EPA-registered insect repellents
- Wearing protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts and pants)
- Seeking medical attention for symptoms such as fever and joint pain
Vaccination Status for Chikungunya
Two vaccines were introduced in 2025 to combat Chikungunya:
- VIMKUNYA Vaccine (Bavarian Nordic): Fully approved for those aged 12 and older. Travelers are advised to receive this vaccine two weeks before visiting areas with active outbreaks.
- IXCHIQ Vaccine (Valneva): License suspended in August 2025 due to safety concerns, particularly for older individuals.
Impact on India, China, and the UK
The increasing number of Chikungunya cases is not limited to the U.S. India, China, and the UK are also reporting infections linked to travelers from endemic areas. The rise in international travel has contributed to the spread of cases in these countries.
Traveler Safety Measures
To protect against Chikungunya, travelers should consider the following:
- Consult a travel health clinic two weeks prior to departure.
- Implement mosquito bite prevention measures.
- Monitor health for symptoms of Chikungunya and seek medical assistance immediately.
- Stay informed about health advisories and vaccination recommendations from the CDC.
Conclusion
The 2025 Chikungunya outbreak has raised alarms across various countries, necessitating concerted efforts to manage and mitigate its impact. With Cuba at the center of the situation, health authorities emphasize taking precautions, especially for travelers. Vaccination and awareness remain crucial in combating this disease as cases continue to rise globally.
