CDC WARNING! U.S. Issues Travel Advisory for Island Vacation Destination | 2/13/2026

The Seychelles is experiencing an outbreak of the chikungunya virus, which is spread via mosquito bites.

NEED TO KNOW: TRAVEL ADVISORY

• The U.S. is issuing a warning to travelers planning to visit the Seychelles

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a "Level 2" advisory for the island archipelago due to an outbreak of a virus spread by mosquitoes

• The chikungunya virus can cause fever and severe joint pain

U.S. health officials are cautioning travelers planning trips to the Seychelles islands.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has placed the island nation under a Level 2 travel notice, advising Americans to use enhanced precautions due to a current viral outbreak.

Authorities report an increase in chikungunya cases across the archipelago. The illness is transmitted to humans through bites from infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, chikungunya (CHIKV) infection occurs when a mosquito carrying the virus bites a person. The disease does not spread through casual contact or saliva, though transmission through infected blood may be possible.

Chikungunya (also known as CHIKV) infection happens when a mosquito that has contracted the virus bites a person

Chikungunya

Chikungunya typically causes fever and intense joint pain. In fact, the name “chikungunya” translates to “bent over,” referencing the severe joint discomfort that often forces sufferers into a stooped posture. Additional symptoms can include headaches, muscle aches, joint swelling, skin rashes, fatigue, and nausea.

Health officials note that while there is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya, a vaccine is available to help prevent infection. The Cleveland Clinic states that most people recover within about a week, although some individuals may experience prolonged joint pain.

Under a Level 2 notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, travelers are advised to take added precautions when visiting affected areas. This level is less severe than a Level 4 advisory, which urges travelers to avoid all travel.

Africa Island Chain

Travelers heading to the African island chain are encouraged to get vaccinated against chikungunya, apply insect repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants, and stay in accommodations with air conditioning or properly screened windows and doors to reduce mosquito exposure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also advises pregnant women to reconsider travel, warning that mothers infected shortly before delivery can transmit the virus to their baby before or during childbirth.

According to the agency, those at greater risk for severe illness include newborns infected around the time of birth, adults 65 and older, and individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. While complications can occur, deaths from chikungunya are rare.

La Digue in the Seychelles

La Digue

Famous for its white-sand beaches and lush tropical scenery, the island nation attracts visitors who come to snorkel, hike, and explore by boat. Situated in the Indian Ocean off Africa’s eastern coastline, the country consists of 115 islands, with the most heavily populated including Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.

Alongside its notice for the Seychelles, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also placed Bolivia, Suriname, Sri Lanka, and Cuba under Level 2 travel advisories because of chikungunya outbreaks.

In the previous year, the agency issued comparable alerts for several countries, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cuba, and China, according to Travel + Leisure.

Related Stories

People on GLP-1s Are Getting an Old-Timey Sailors' Disease

Appetite suppression in people taking GLP-1s could lead to deficiencies in vitamins and nutrients, an expert warns. Read Full Story.

Thomas Rhett Reveals He's 'Kind of Going Deaf' in One Ear: 'I Had to Go Get Hearing Aids as a 35-Year-Old Man'

"He was like, 'I can't think straight. It's so loud.' I was like, ‘Babe, welcome,'" said his wife Lauren Akins on Annie F. Downs' 'That Sounds Fun' podcast. Read Full Story.

Conclusion

With chikungunya cases rising in several destinations, travelers should take health advisories seriously and plan accordingly. Vaccination, mosquito protection, and awareness of risk factors can significantly reduce exposure. Staying informed through official public health updates ensures safer international travel and helps prevent the virus from spreading further. Did you find the information in this article helpful? Feel free to leave us a comment below.

Disclaimer

This article may contain Amazon affiliate links . Ask Medicaid Florida is an Amazon Associate Partner. We earn a commission on all qualified purchases (at no additional cost to you). This website is for informational purposes only. Read full disclaimer.