Canada has issued a new travel warning for people planning to visit China, saying there are possible health risks travellers should know about.
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Government of Canada updated its travel advisory, telling visitors to be careful because of the risk of getting chikungunya. The chances of catching the virus can change depending on the season, the year, the area you’re in, and even the elevation.
Chikungunya spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and painful joints, and sometimes the joint pain can last for months or even years.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says other symptoms include rash, tiredness, vomiting, and headaches. Symptoms usually show up three to seven days after being bitten, but it can take up to 12 days. Babies, older adults, and people with long-term health problems—such as high blood pressure or diabetes—are more likely to have serious complications that can affect the eyes, heart, stomach, intestines, or nervous system.
Travellers can lower their risk by getting the chikungunya vaccine, which is approved in Canada. It’s recommended to talk to a healthcare provider at least six weeks before travelling.
You can also protect yourself by avoiding mosquito bites. Health Canada recommends using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, using netting, and being careful both inside and outside. Mosquitoes that carry chikungunya bite during the day, especially around sunrise and sunset.
These mosquitoes can be found in many regions around the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Pacific Islands, and the southern United States.
Canada also recently issued a separate travel advisory for Italy, warning travellers about possible safety issues in northern Italy during the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Canadians travelling abroad can sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA), a free and private service that helps the government contact citizens in case of an emergency.
