The Florida Department of Health reported twenty-seven cases of chikungunya fever this week in persons that had onset in 2025 and that had international travel.
This brings the total travel associated chikungunya cases in the state in 2025 to 370 from the following counties: Brevard, Broward (37), Charlotte, Clay, Collier (9), Flagler, Hendry, Hillsborough (31), Lake, Lee (17), Marion (2), Miami-Dade (240), Orange (5), Osceola (3), Palm Beach (5), Pasco (2), Pinellas (3), Polk (2), Sarasota (3), Seminole (3), Volusia (2). Six cases were reported in non-Fl residents.
Of the 370 travel associated cases reported in 2025, 357 were linked to travel to Cuba.
One case of locally acquired chikungunya fever has been reported in Miami-Dade County with onset in December 2025. The last time local transmission of chikungunya in Florida was in 2014 when 12 cases were reported.
The chikungunya cases continue to be reported into 2026. So far this year, health officials have reported sixteen cases with onset in 2026 in individuals with travel history to a chikungunya-endemic area in the two weeks prior to onset. Counties reporting cases were: Alachua, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade (10), Monroe, Orange, and Palm Beach (2). Travel from Cuba accounts for all 16 cases thus far.
Cuba reports more than 50,000 chikungunya cases in 2025
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.
Most people infected with chikungunya virus develop some symptoms. Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3–7 days after a bi
te 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.