Mosquito-Borne Chikungunya Outbreak Spreads in Southern China

Recently, southern China has experienced a significant outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus. The number of reported cases has surged rapidly, with authorities in the city of Foshan and surrounding districts reporting over 4,000 confirmed infections since tracking began two weeks ago. The majority of cases are concentrated in the Shunde district, an area famous for its Cantonese cuisine, which attracts many visitors annually.

Chikungunya symptoms include fever, joint pain, rash, and muscle aches, though fatalities are rare. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued advisories on preventive measures, emphasizing physical barriers such as mosquito nets, screen doors, and the application of insect repellents. The prevailing belief is that the outbreak was imported, although the exact source has not been specified.

Health officials recommend that individuals with symptoms seek medical attention promptly. Hospitals in the affected regions have increased their capacity by nearly doubling the number of mosquito-proof isolation beds to accommodate the rising caseload. Residents are also advised to eliminate standing water in their homes—such as in flowerpots or bottles—to prevent mosquito breeding.

While there are vaccines approved in some countries for chikungunya, they are not yet widely available or used in China. The first imported case in the country was recorded in 1987, with the first major outbreak occurring in Dongguan in 2010, which saw 253 cases. Since then, occasional cases have been reported, but recent incidents mark a notable escalation.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to adhere to preventive measures and stay aware of symptoms. The outbreak underscores the importance of mosquito control and public health preparedness in preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-southern-china-outbreak-mosquito-borne.html