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US health advisory for American travelers returning from Telangana, India
The CDC recommends vaccination against chikungunya infection for individuals aged 18 and older who plan to travel to regions experiencing outbreaks.
The CDC advises pregnant travelers to consult their healthcare provider to weigh the risks of infection against the potential benefits of vaccination. / CDC
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for individuals, primarily members of the diaspora, returning from Telangana, India, following an increase in chikungunya cases among travelers.
Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus, has been identified at a higher-than-expected rate among U.S. travelers returning from the Indian state. The CDC has urged travelers to take precautionary measures against mosquito bites to minimize the risk of infection. These include using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and staying in areas with air conditioning or screened windows and doors.
The CDC recommends vaccination against chikungunya for individuals aged 18 and older who plan to travel to regions experiencing outbreaks. However, the vaccine is not suitable for everyone. “The vaccine should not be given to people with weakened immune systems or those who have had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine,” the CDC stated.
Pregnant individuals are advised to reconsider travel to Telangana, especially in the late stages of pregnancy. According to the CDC, “Mothers infected around the time of delivery can pass the virus to their baby before or during delivery. Newborns infected in this way or through a mosquito bite are at risk for severe illness, including poor long-term outcomes.”
While vaccination during pregnancy is generally deferred, exceptions may be made for travelers at high risk. The CDC advises pregnant travelers to consult their healthcare provider to weigh the risks of infection against the potential benefits of vaccination. “If pregnant people choose to be vaccinated, out of caution, vaccination should generally be avoided during the first trimester and after the 36th week of pregnancy,” the agency recommended.
The CDC has advised travelers to seek medical care if they experience fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash during or after travel. These symptoms could indicate chikungunya infection, and prompt medical attention can help manage the disease effectively.
The advisory underscores the importance of vigilance among travelers to minimize the spread of chikungunya and safeguard public health.
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