The Seychelles are now the subject of a new travel advisory from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) amid an ongoing virus outbreak.

The CDC has issued a Level 2 notice for the Indian Ocean archipelago, advising U.S. travelers to “practice enhanced precautions” when visiting the island republic.

Chikungunya outbreak confirmed

According to the CDC, the advisory is linked to an outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus that spreads to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes.

The Seychelles, located in the western Indian Ocean, is a popular destination for beach tourism, luxury resorts, and honeymoon travel – meaning the warning may affect a significant number of international visitors.

Symptoms can be severe

Health officials note that chikungunya symptoms typically appear three to seven days after a person is bitten.

The most common symptoms include fever and joint pain. In many cases, the joint pain can be severe enough to be described as debilitating. Other possible symptoms include headaches, muscle pain, swelling, rashes, fatigue, and nausea.

Most patients recover fully after about a week, but some may develop chronic joint pain lasting for months, according to medical guidance referenced by the Cleveland Clinic.

No person-to-person transmission

Chikungunya does not spread from person to person, the Cleveland Clinic notes. Transmission requires a mosquito to bite an infected person and then bite someone else.

CDC recommends vaccination and extra caution for pregnant travelers

In its advisory, the CDC recommends that travelers to the Seychelles consider getting the chikungunya vaccine before departure.

The agency also advised that pregnant women should reconsider travel plans due to potential risks associated with infection.

For travelers who do go, public health experts recommend strict mosquito protection measures, including repellents, long sleeves, and staying in accommodations with proper screens or air conditioning.