In response to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel notice concerning travel to Sri Lanka due to a chikungunya outbreak, the US Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka issued a health alert yesterday for American citizens.
According to the World Health Organization:
In Sri Lanka, a total of 151 confirmed CHIKV disease cases were reported from sentinel sites in Colombo, Gampaha and Kandy between 1 January 2025 and the second week of March 2025. According to the Epidemiology Unit Division situation report, dated 31 August 2025, the CHIKV disease cases continued to increase and peaked in June 2025. Over half of the reported cases were from the Western Province, with Colombo District alone reporting 33%. The most affected age group was 41–60 years (36.4%), although an increasing trend was noted among children.
The Embassy advises:
Visit the CDC’s Travelers Health Page on Chikungunya in Sri Lanka .
Visit Medical Assistance – U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka for information about medical care.
See a doctor if you have a fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.
Ask your doctor about upcoming travel.
Buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
Chikungunya disease is caused by the chikungunya virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Chikungunya epidemic risk: A call to action
Most people infected with chikungunya virus develop some symptoms. Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3–7 days after a bite by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people get better within a week; however, some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness.
People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare.
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya.