China’s Chikungunya Response Raises Public Concern

China’s Chikungunya Response Raises Public Concern
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A report from The Guardian indicates growing public concern in China over official measures to control the spread of the Chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne disease. Many people believe the measures, which include intensified surveillance, are reminiscent of the country’s strict zero-Covid era and are infringing on personal rights.

The article highlights a specific incident in Zhanjiang where a single mother’s children had blood samples taken by police and health officials in the middle of the night without her presence or consent. This occurred after a pharmacy reported her son had a fever, which is a symptom of the virus.

The Chikungunya outbreak began about a month ago in Foshan, Guangdong province, and has since spread to Zhanjiang. There have been approximately 8,000 reported cases in China and at least one imported case in Hong Kong. In response to the outbreak, Guangdong’s governor, Wang Weizhong, has ordered measures such as eradicating mosquito breeding grounds and using repellents. However, authorities have also reinstated surveillance measures from the zero-Covid period, including a requirement for pharmacies to report the sale of certain fever-treating drugs.