Chikungunya Outbreak Hits China’s Guangdong Province

Chikungunya Outbreak Hits China’s Guangdong Province
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More than 7,000 cases of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus have been reported in China’s southern Guangdong province since July, according to the BBC. Foshan city has been the most affected, with patients required to stay in hospital under mosquito nets until testing negative or completing a week-long stay.

The virus, spread through bites from infected mosquitoes, causes fever and severe joint pain that can persist for years. Infections have been recorded in at least 12 other Guangdong cities, with nearly 3,000 new cases last week alone. Hong Kong confirmed its first case—a boy who had visited Foshan.

While officials say all cases have been mild, the outbreak has prompted strict mosquito control measures, including removing stagnant water, releasing larvae-eating fish, and using drones for inspections. The US has advised travellers to exercise caution. The World Health Organization stresses eliminating breeding grounds as the most effective prevention method.