Chikungunya Cases Surge Past 7,000 in Southern China
China faces a significant public health event as over 7,000 cases of the chikungunya virus appear across several southern cities. The outbreak started in late July, focusing on the Shunde district in Foshan, with authorities closely monitoring other urban centres. The World Health Organization issued a warning in July, stating that chikungunya posed a global epidemic risk and calling for urgent prevention measures.
Understanding Chikungunya
Chikungunya virus spreads through bites from infected female mosquitoes, primarily the dengue mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito. The disease does not transmit from person to person. These mosquitoes usually bite during daylight. Health experts report that outbreaks often occur in South-East Asia and parts of Africa. Scientists first identified the virus in Tanzania in 1952. Chikungunya has since appeared in over 110 countries. Outbreaks now appear in new regions, including China.
Chikungunya virus is spread through mosquito bites
Symptoms and Health Impact
Symptoms appear three to seven days after a bite from an infected mosquito. Patients commonly report joint pain, fever, joint swelling and stiffness. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headaches, body rashes, nausea and fatigue. Most recover without treatment. Some, such as people over 65 years, newborns, or those with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, may experience more severe symptoms. Health officials note that deaths from chikungunya remain rare.
Australian Context
Australians who travel to areas such as Africa, the Indian subcontinent, South-East Asia, the Pacific region or the Caribbean have the highest risk of chikungunya. Mosquitoes capable of carrying the virus exist in northern Queensland and the Torres Strait. Authorities confirm that these mosquitoes have not yet carried the disease in Australia. No warning or travel notice from the Australian government currently advises against travel due to chikungunya.
Treatments and Precautions
No specific treatment exists for the virus. Doctors suggest pain-relief medications to reduce joint pain. Individuals with chikungunya should avoid mosquito bites while feverish. Doing so prevents mosquitoes from picking up the virus and passing it on to others. Patients recover without intervention in most cases.
Efforts to Prevent Spread
Two vaccines, recently approved in the US and UK, now offer some protection but remain difficult to access and are not in widespread use. The US recommends that travellers to Guangdong receive a vaccine. The UK advises considering vaccination for specific people. Neither vaccine is available in Australia.
Preventative measures play a critical role. Experts urge people to use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin and cover windows with nets or screens. Authorities recommend wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes and ensuring all water containers are dry. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, commonly found in homes, such as in flowerpots or coffee machines.
China’s Response
Chinese authorities respond quickly. Local governments use protection methods similar to those deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients isolate behind mosquito nets in hospitals. Officials nearly doubled mosquito-proof isolation beds to 7,220 to meet rising demand. They inspect homes to remove sources of standing water. The Health Commission in Foshan threatened fines up to 10,000 yuan ($2,163.05) for violations.
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention released recommendations urging physical protection, such as mosquito nets, doors with screens and repellents. “The epidemic was ‘imported’,” the Centre stated, without naming the source.
Beijing CDC confirmed the city encounters occasional imported chikungunya cases. Authorities continue to monitor the situation. They call on anyone with symptoms such as rash, fever or joint pain to seek medical care.
Global and Local Advisories
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced plans to issue a travel notice as cases increase. It recommends vaccination and advises pregnant travellers to reconsider visits to affected Chinese provinces.
Present Outlook
Officials note that most cases in China remain mild. Uptake of recommended protections grows as public awareness spreads. Local authorities urge residents to eliminate stagnant water from homes and observe health guidance as they monitor the outbreak’s progress.
