Rapid Surge of Chikungunya Cases in South China's Foshan City Signals Growing Public Health Threat

A significant rise in chikungunya infections has been observed in Foshan city, China, with cases escalating from 478 to nearly 3,000 within just one week, according to reports from the South China Morning Post. This alarming surge marks the most extensive outbreak the region has faced in nearly two decades.

Globally, chikungunya continues to pose a mounting threat. France's overseas territories have reported over 53,000 cases in the current year, highlighting the widespread reach of this mosquito-borne virus. Additionally, Italy documented two fatalities last week, among 32 confirmed infections of West Nile virus, another disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The capacity of mosquitoes to carry multiple viruses simultaneously complicates efforts to control these diseases.

Modern genomic technologies like metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) play a crucial role in diagnosing complex infections by providing comprehensive and rapid detection of multiple pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Instruments like BGI Genomics' PMseq system employ this technology to support global disease diagnosis and management.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings regarding the expanding reach of chikungunya, with outbreaks reported across the Indian Ocean islands and parts of Africa such as Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya. Dr. Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO arbovirus lead, emphasized that the virus is making a cyclical return, spreading to new regions after two decades.

Reunion Island, a French overseas territory, has been heavily impacted, with over 53,000 cases—roughly two-thirds of its population—infected this year. The outbreak has led to nearly 600 hospital admissions and 28 deaths. In China, the outbreak in Guangdong Province is the most severe since the virus emerged there nearly 20 years ago, with around 4,800 cases reported in one month, including a rapid increase of 3,000 cases in just seven days.

Transmission occurs through mosquito-human cycles, with both imported and locally acquired cases. Travelers contracting the virus abroad can introduce it into local mosquito populations, leading to community transmission. Public health measures such as eliminating stagnant water, removing debris to reduce breeding sites, and personal protective measures are critical in preventing further spread.

Early detection is vital. Symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain, and fatigue are similar to those caused by other arboviruses such as dengue and Zika, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Molecular testing methods like RT-PCR are effective in identifying viral RNA within the first days of infection, while broader pathogen detection can be achieved using advanced sequencing technologies.

Genomic innovations are also exploring genetic modifications of mosquitoes to prevent disease transmission. Recent studies have successfully altered mosquito genomes to disrupt malaria parasite development, showcasing potential strategies to combat vector-borne diseases like chikungunya.

Controlling outbreaks requires a comprehensive approach involving surveillance, rapid diagnostics, community engagement, and genetic research. As the global landscape of mosquito-borne illnesses evolves, early detection and accurate diagnosis remain the cornerstones of effective public health intervention.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-chikungunya-cases-surge-sixfold-south.html