Chikungunya outbreak - effect on tourism?

Question

Hi, what effect is the chikungunya virus outbreak having in China? I read something about quarantines… we are planning to visit several areas, including Hong Kong, in early September. What should we know before we go?

Answer

Here’s an updated overview and practical advice regarding the Chikungunya virus disease (CHIKV) outbreak in China and what it means for your upcoming travel in early September — particularly your visit to Hong Kong plus other areas.

Current situation in China:

The outbreak is mainly concentrated in the southern region of mainland China, particularly in Guangdong Province (cities such as Foshan, Guangzhou, and others). As of late September 2025, there were more than 16,000 locally-transmitted cases reported in mainland China (excluding HK, Macau, Taiwan).

Specifically, the outbreak began in July 2025 in Foshan, Guangdong, and spread to neighbouring cities.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies travel to the affected region of Guangdong as “Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions”.

In contrast, Hong Kong has reported only a small number of imported cases; no large-scale outbreak in Hong Kong itself (at least as of the latest available data).

Effect on tourism and travel:

The outbreak is regionally concentrated (southern mainland China, especially Guangdong); it is not widespread across all of China or Hong Kong. Because of this, the risk varies significantly depending on where you travel.
Mass quarantines and strict mosquito-control measures have been implemented in the outbreak zones (e.g., Foshan) including forced mosquito-proof isolation in some cases.
In tourist areas outside the high-risk outbreak zone (such as Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai), tourism hasn’t been halted, but you’ll see health advisories, increased vector control (mosquito spraying, elimination of standing water) and possibly more visible public health activities.
No large travel bans for international tourists have been widely implemented for most of China; instead the emphasis is on mosquito-bite prevention, community mosquito-control efforts and monitoring.

What you should know for your trip (including visit to Hong Kong in early September):

Even though you’re visiting Hong Kong and possibly other areas *not* in the main outbreak zone, you should still assume the possibility of mosquito-borne diseases and take appropriate precautions (especially if you are visiting late summer/early autumn when mosquitoes may still be active).
Pre-travel: Make sure your travel insurance covers infectious disease/arbovirus risk, and check if your country’s travel health advisory has updated guidance for China. The CDC page suggests enhanced precautions.
During your trip: Use insect repellent (e.g., DEET or other recommended brands), wear long-sleeved shirts/long pants when outside in the evenings or near greenery, stay in accommodation with screened windows or air-conditioning, avoid stagnant water or pools of water where mosquitoes may breed.
Be aware of symptoms: CHIKV usually causes fever, joint pain (often severe), muscle pain, rash, and can produce discomfort which may last longer than a few days. Seek medical attention if you develop fever + severe joint pain.
In terms of your itinerary: If you are staying in Hong Kong (and/or other cities outside the main outbreak zone such as Guangdong), you are at a lower risk compared to areas in southern mainland China. However if your travel plans include Guangdong Province, or rural/outdoor excursions in high mosquito-density zones, then the risk is higher.

Recommendations / risk management for your specific travel:

Given you plan to visit Hong Kong, and assuming you do not include heavy time in Guangdong Province’s outbreak hotspot, your risk is moderate and manageable with proper prevention measures.
Avoid planning to visit rural, heavily mosquito-infested zones in southern mainland China, especially evenings near stagnant water, unless you are comfortable with taking precautions. China may implement rapid containment measures in outbreak zones (which might affect mobility, local services). For example, some reports mention mosquito-proof isolation and special surveillance in Guangdong.
If your travels include Guangdong or nearby areas, keep your itinerary flexible, check local health advisories, and be prepared for possible vector-control operations or temporary restrictions (though such restrictions are less severe than pandemic-lockdowns for now).

Bottom line: Yes, there *is* a chikungunya outbreak in China (especially Guangdong Province) and it warrants attention, but if your travel is limited to Hong Kong (and standard tourist urban areas outside the outbreak zone) your overall risk is low-to-moderate and you can travel safely by taking routine insect-bite prevention steps. Unless you plan to stay in or near the high-risk areas (southern mainland China, rural mosquito-dense zones), you are unlikely to face major travel restrictions. Still, being aware, prepared, and covered by insurance is wise.

Chikungunya outbreak - effect on tourism?

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