Could chikungunya virus spread to US? Here’s what Americans should know
A mosquito-borne virus has led to a widespread outbreak in China – but could it show up in the U.S.?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 alert on Wednesday for an outbreak of chikungunya virus in the Guangdong Province, where health officials have reported more than 7,000 cases, per the Associated Press (AP).
There are efforts underway to control the mosquitoes spreading the virus, including the use of nets, insecticide and drones, the report stated.
MOSQUITO-BORNE VIRUS SPREADING THROUGH CHINA CAUSES HIGH FEVER, JOINT PAIN
Chikungunya cases have also been spreading throughout Europe, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The virus is transmitted when a mosquito feeds on an infected person and then bites someone else.
Dr. Paul Sax, clinical director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said an outbreak in the U.S. is unlikely.
Chikungunya is a predominantly tropic..