Chikungunya: Advice for travellers


Level 2 - Practise enhanced health precautions (more details)



Original publication date: March 31, 2025

Updated: January 12, 2026

Key points

  • Chikungunya is a disease spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, causing fever and joint pain.
  • Most people recover after a few days. However, in some cases, joint pain may last for months to years.
  • If a pregnant woman or pregnant person has the virus, they can pass it to their baby.
  • A vaccine for the prevention of chikungunya is approved in Canada. Discuss whether its right for you with your health care provider.
  • Travellers to areas with a risk of chikungunya should prevent mosquito bites at all times.

Current situation

The destinations listed below are reporting higher than expected numbers of chikungunya cases: Bangladesh, Cuba, and Sri Lanka.

Please note: Not all destinations with chikungunya transmission are included on this THN. Travellers visiting any destination with a risk of chikungunya should prevent mosquito bites at all times. 

To check whether your destination has a chikungunya risk, check their travel advice and advisories page, under ‘Tick and insect bite prevention’.

Travel advice and advisories by destination

Recommendations

Before you leave

  • Talk to a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably about 6 weeks before your departure date, to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to make an appointment.  
    • A vaccine for the prevention of chikungunya is approved in Canada.  
    • Discuss with your health care provider the benefits and risks of vaccination based on factors such as your age, itinerary, any existing health conditions, and personal preferences.  
    • Pregnant women, pregnant people, and travellers aged 65 and older should discuss the possible risks of travelling to areas with chikungunya outbreaks with their health care provider. They may want to be extra cautious and avoid travelling to these areas. 
  • Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.

Registration of Canadians Abroad

While you're away

  • Prevent mosquito bites at all times. The mosquitoes that spread chikungunya virus bite during the day and night. They are generally not found at altitudes above 2,000 metres.
    • use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
    • wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
    • wear socks and closed-toe shoes
    • sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

After your return

  • Contact your health care provider if you develop chikungunya symptoms. Tell them where you’ve been travelling.
    • Symptoms of chikungunya can be similar to many other infections, and you can’t always tell them apart without lab tests.
    • One of these infections is malaria, so it's important to let your health care provider know if you’ve travelled to an area where malaria is common.

Learn more:

If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
Malaria transmission and recommended preventive measures by geographical area

About chikungunya

  • Chikungunya is caused by a virus that’s spread by infected mosquitoes, causing fever and joint pain. 
  • Other symptoms can include:
    • rash
    • fatigue
    • muscle pain
    • headache
    • nausea
    • vomiting
  • Symptoms can take up to 12 days to appear, but usually appear within 3 to 7 days after an infected mosquito bites you.
  • Most people recover after a few days. In some cases, joint pain may last for months to years.
  • Newborns, infants younger than one year, older adults, and those with certain underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of becoming severely ill.
  • If a pregnant woman or pregnant person has the virus, they can pass it to their baby. 
    • In rare cases, this can lead to serious problems like stillbirth or premature birth. 

Learn more:

Chikungunya

Information for health professionals

Other Resources
Related links

Date modified: