Mosquito control urged in Foshan as Chikungunya fever outbreak spreads

Local health authorities in Foshan, Guangdong, urged the public on Sunday to step up mosquito eradication and prevention measures after 1,873 cases of Chikungunya fever were confirmed across three districts.

The outbreak began on July 8 when the Shunde district health bureau identified an imported case of Chikungunya fever, prompting immediate search and prevention efforts. As of Saturday, Shunde reported 1,790 cases, with 34 in Nanhai and 49 in Chancheng. All cases have been mild, with no severe or fatal outcomes, and 720 patients have recovered, local health officials stated at a news conference on Sunday afternoon.

Following the outbreak, the government of Foshan launched an emergency response plan, establishing a command headquarters for prevention and control. The base coordinated efforts across health, disease control, urban management, education, commerce, housing and construction, and transportation departments.

Large-scale investigations were conducted in key areas, and medical resources were coordinated to ensure patients received timely, standardized and effective treatment.

Authorities have urged residents to clean their environments to eradicate mosquitoes. Professional teams were deployed to exterminate mosquitoes in households. Mosquito density has been reduced from high to medium in 90 percent of affected villages and communities, with 33 percent achieving a safe level.

Chikungunya is caused by the Chikungunya virus, also known as CHIKV, which is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization, large outbreaks and sporadic cases are primarily reported in the Americas, Asia and Africa, with occasional smaller outbreaks in Europe.

The name "chikungunya" originates from a word in the Kimakonde language of southern Tanzania, meaning "that which bends up", describing the stooped posture of infected individuals suffering from severe joint pain.

Since August 2024, widespread transmission of the Chikungunya virus disease has been documented in the French island of Reunion, with over 47,500 cases and 12 associated deaths reported as of May 4 this year. The island has sustained high transmission rates.

In 2008, imported cases were detected for the first time among overseas returnees in China, according to the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Chikungunya symptoms are similar to those caused by dengue and Zika, making misdiagnosis easy and complicating efforts for countries to accurately determine infection numbers.

The disease causes fever and severe joint pain, which is often debilitating and may be prolonged. Other symptoms include joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, as there is no specific antiviral drug for chikungunya.

The best way to prevent CHIKV infection is to avoid mosquito bites.

Local CDCs in Guangdong have reminded residents to prioritize both mosquito eradication and prevention. Clearing standing water is a key control measure.

Residents should regularly remove standing water from balconies, courtyards, flower pots and air conditioner drip pans, dispose of discarded containers and ensure drainage channels remain unobstructed.

When outdoors, avoid peak mosquito activity times and wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing to minimize skin exposure. Apply effective mosquito repellent products to exposed skin or clothing.

Home improvements such as installing screen doors and using mosquito nets, electric swatters or mosquito lamps can prevent insects from entering homes.

People experiencing symptoms such as fever, rashes or joint pain, especially after visiting certain areas, should seek prompt medical attention. After passing through an epidemic area, people should go to a medical institution as soon as possible and inform the doctor of their recent travel.

Li Wenfang in Guangzhou contributed to this story.

tanyingzi@chinadaily.com.cn