Canada Updates Health Travel Advisory for China for Chikungunya
by Marsha Mowers
courtesy unsplash
The federal government has updated its travel advisory for China to include the Chikungunya virus, a viral disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) classifies the chikungunya risk in China – particularly in the Guangdong province – at Level 2, telling travellers to “practice enhanced health precautions.”
The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
The advisory warns travellers to protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.
The advisory also includes Avian influenza: Advice for travellers, Measles: Advice for travellers and COVID-19 and International Travel.
The federal government advises travellers to discuss vaccination options with a health-care provider, particularly for pregnant travellers or individuals over 65.
The PHAC notice also says “symptoms of chikungunya can be similar to many other infections, and you can’t always tell them apart without lab tests.”
Returning travellers are also urged to monitor their health and seek medical care if symptoms develop during or after a trip.
A vaccine for the prevention of chikungunya is approved in Canada.
