By Kelly Ng, BBC News, Singapore
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More than 7,000 cases of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus, have been reported in China’s Guangdong province since July, with the hardest-hit city, Foshan, implementing strict containment measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Foshan, infected patients must remain in hospital under mosquito nets and can only be discharged after testing negative or completing a mandatory seven-day stay. Chikungunya, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, causes fever and intense joint pain that can persist for months or even years.
While chikungunya outbreaks are common in South and Southeast Asia and parts of Africa, they are rare in China. The outbreak has now spread to at least 12 cities in Guangdong, with nearly 3,000 new cases reported in the past week alone. Hong Kong also confirmed its first case—a 12-year-old boy who recently visited Foshan.
Although the virus isn't contagious between humans, its spread has caused concern among the public. Social media users expressed alarm, with one writing, “This is scary. The prolonged consequences sound very painful.”
China's Response to the Outbreak
Local authorities have announced “decisive and forceful” actions to curb the outbreak. Residents are urged to seek medical attention for symptoms like fever, rash, and joint pain. They’re also being warned to eliminate stagnant water around homes—like in flowerpots or containers—or face fines up to 10,000 yuan ($1,400).
To control mosquito populations, Guangdong has introduced unconventional methods such as releasing large “elephant mosquitoes” that prey on virus-carrying mosquitoes, and mosquito-eating fish. Last week, Foshan released 5,000 such fish into local lakes, and drones are now used to locate mosquito breeding sites.
Initially, some cities required Foshan travelers to undergo 14-day home quarantines, but these restrictions have been lifted amid public criticism. Comparisons to past pandemic controls have emerged online, with users questioning whether such measures are necessary for a non-contagious disease.
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Understanding Chikungunya
Symptoms usually appear within 3–7 days after a mosquito bite and include fever, joint and muscle pain, rash, and headache. Most patients recover within a week, but joint pain may linger for much longer in severe cases. Those at higher risk include infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
There is no cure, but fatalities are extremely rare. The virus, first identified in Tanzania in 1952, has now been reported in over 110 countries. Prevention focuses on eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, according to the World Health Organization.