Chikungunya Travel Advice: Cases on the Rise in France and China 2025
Recent outbreaks of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus that causes debilitating joint pain and fever, have been reported in both southern France and China’s Guangdong province. While the UK is not at risk for local transmission, these developments are a timely reminder that mosquito-borne diseases are no longer confined to far-flung destinations. If you’re travelling abroad, it’s important to learn the risks, symptoms, and protection measures with our expert chikungunya travel advice.
What Is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It cannot be passed directly from person to person.
Symptoms typically appear within a week of being bitten and may include:
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Sudden high fever
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Severe joint pain (can persist for weeks, months, or even years)
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Fatigue and muscle aches
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Rash and swollen joints
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Sensitivity to light and redness of the eyes
There is currently no specific cure for chikungunya, treatment focuses on rest, fluids, and pain relief.
Chikungunya in France
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Between May and July 2025, France reported 712 imported cases and 14 locally-acquired cases of chikungunya.
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Most local infections have occurred around Salon-de-Provence and La Crau on the Mediterranean coast, with others in Corsica and even one in the Grand Est region in the northeast.
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Warmer climates have allowed the mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya to spread into more areas of Europe.
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French health officials have issued guidance for locals and travellers to cover exposed skin, use insect repellent, and remove stagnant water sources.
Chikungunya in China
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Since July 2025, more than 7,000 cases have been reported in Guangdong province.
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Foshan city has been hardest hit, with measures including hospital stays for infected patients until they test negative or complete a week-long stay.
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The outbreak has prompted mosquito control efforts such as removing stagnant water, using insecticides, releasing mosquito-eating fish, and even deploying drones to detect breeding sites.
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Hong Kong has reported its first case, linked to travel from Foshan.
Why Travellers Should Be Alert
Chikungunya is now appearing in regions many UK travellers visit such as holiday hotspots in southern France and major cities in China. Climate change is increasing the range of disease-carrying mosquitoes, meaning outbreaks in Europe could become more common.
Chikungunya Travel Advice: Staying Safe When Travelling
Whether you’re heading to France, China, or anywhere in a mosquito-risk area:
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Use insect repellent with DEET.
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Cover exposed skin with long sleeves and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk.
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Sleep under bed nets if necessary.
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Avoid stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
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Know your risks by checking the TravelHealthPro website before your trip.
Travel Health at Kamsons Pharmacy
At Kamsons Pharmacy, we offer chikungunya travel advice and vaccine alongside a wide range of other travel health vaccinations. If you’re planning to visit an area with a chikungunya outbreak, we strongly recommend getting vaccinated. Simply complete the quick online consultation form at the bottom of our chikungunya vaccine page, and one of our expert prescribers will review your details and guide you through getting protected.
We can also support you with general travel health advice, as well as period delay tablets, jet lag treatments, and antimalarial medication, ensuring you can travel safely and confidently.
Published and checked 14th August 2025