China Reports Thousands of Chikungunya Cases Amid Outbreak of Mosquito-Borne Virus

Foshan City at Epicentre as Authorities Race to Contain Rapid Spread

China is grappling with a significant outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease, with over 7,000 cases reported in Guangdong province this year. The southern city of Foshan is the hardest-hit area, where hundreds of patients have been hospitalised and are being treated under mosquito nets, according to images shared by CCTV, China’s state broadcaster.

Although chikungunya outbreaks are rare in China, the speed of transmission—with nearly 3,000 new cases in the past week alone—has raised serious concerns. At least 12 other cities in Guangdong have also confirmed infections.

Authorities believe the outbreak began with an imported case in July, although the source of the infection remains undisclosed. On Sunday, Hong Kong confirmed its first case: a 12-year-old boy who had recently travelled to Foshan and developed fever, rash, and joint pain.

What Is Chikungunya?

First identified in Tanzania in 1952, chikungunya has since spread to more than 110 countries, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. It is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

Symptoms typically appear within a week of infection and include:

• High fever

• Rash

• Severe joint and muscle pain

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Swollen joints

While most recover within a week, some may suffer from chronic joint pain that can last months or years. There is no specific treatment or widely available vaccine, but deaths are rare, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The virus is not spread person-to-person, but mosquitoes can transmit it by biting an infected individual and then biting someone else.

China’s Response to the Outbreak

Authorities in Guangdong have pledged to implement “decisive and forceful measures” to stop the spread. The strategy includes:

• Eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, especially stagnant water in homes (flowerpots, coffee trays, containers).

• Fines of up to 10,000 yuan (€1,208) for residents who fail to comply.

• In Foshan, thousands of mosquito-eating fish have been released into water bodies.

• Drones are being used to locate hidden pools of stagnant water.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued multiple health advisories, encouraging:

• Use of mosquito nets, screen doors, and repellents

• Wearing long sleeves and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours

Chikungunya and Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Europe

As of 30 July, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports chikungunya cases in:

• France: 49 cases

• Italy: 2 cases

Europe is also dealing with other mosquito-borne threats. In Italy, a 93-year-old woman died from West Nile virus in Lazio, bringing the national death toll this year to 10. The neuro-invasive form of the disease has proven particularly dangerous, with a lethality rate of 20%, up from 14% in 2024.

The ECDC has confirmed West Nile virus infections this season in:

• Italy

• Greece

• Romania

• Bulgaria

• France

The Latina province in Italy has seen the highest number of infections, with 43 confirmed cases.

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