Chikungunya Outbreak: Should We Be Worried in TN?
Posted by Mosquito Squad
August 12, 2025
As of August 2025, Tennessee has no locally acquired cases of chikungunya virus.
The Centers for Disease Control are warning travelers that Guandong Province, China, are experiencing an outbreak of chikungunya virus. Since June, there have been more than 7,000 confirmed cases. This Level 2 travel warning implores travelers to take enhanced precautionary measures ahead of their trips. Vaccinations are available and recommended for anyone traveling to an affected area.
Fortunately, the TN Department of Health’s surveillance report for 2025 not only indicates zero confirmed cases, but also that it is not probable for Tennessee to have locally acquired cases. Nationally, the CDC reports zero locally acquired cases of chikungunya virus in the United States or its territories in the last six years.
What is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne illness that typically presents itself with sudden fever, joint and muscle pain, intense headache, rash, and even joint swelling. Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin within three days to one week after a bite from an infected mosquito. While most patients recover from chikungunya within a week, some may experience lingering joint pain for months or years thereafter.
Chikungunya Transmission, Aedes Mosquitoes
The Aedes mosquitoes are the prime vectors of chikungunya. Both the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are both present in Tennessee. You’ve probably had a run-in with an Aedes albopictus, better known as the Asian tiger mosquito, if you have experienced a nasty midday mosquito bite in the Nashville area.
The outbreak of chikungunya in China is being attributed to monsoon flooding. Middle Tennessee has seen near-record rainfall in portions of 2025, which has also resulted in huge mosquito populations. And while we do not have cases of chikungunya, there have been three reported cases of West Nile Virus in TN so far this year. Davidson County has confirmed non-human WNV infection only. West Nile virus is transmitted by the Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens mosquitoes.
As of August 2025, there have been 140 confirmed cases of WNV nationwide, with 82 resulting in serious neuroinvasive illness.
Be Vigilant, Get Mosquito Control
The first and best way to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. And in the Nashville area, one of the best ways to do that is to work with Mosquito Squad. We offer a variety of means of mosquito control and deterrence, including our traditional barrier treatment, natural mosquito control, mosquito misting systems, and special event treatments.
We proudly serve Nashville area homeowners and business owners with the best mosquito control in the area, with two decades of proven efficacy. Get mosquito control for your Nashville area business!
Choose Mosquito Squad for Nashville mosquito control!
Mosquito Squad treats mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and many more outdoor pests throughout the Nashville TN area! Contact us today at (615) 492-3662 or fill out our online form for your complimentary Nashville mosquito control assessment and treatment quote.
