A sudden outbreak of a mosquito-borne virus has swept Foshan in southern China, infecting over 7,000 people in at least 13 cities, prompting authorities to take strict preventive measures similar to those during the COVID pandemic. The virus is understood to have been brought in from Africa.
The Chikungunya virus is transmitted only through the bite of infected mosquitoes and is rarely fatal. The virus has rapidly spread to more than a dozen cities in the southern Guangdong province, north of Hong Kong. According to the BBC, nearly 3,000 cases have been reported in the past week alone. Chikungunya disease is not common in China, but since an imported case was detected in Foshan on July 8, the number of infections has surged, making Foshan the hardest-hit area of the outbreak.
To address the outbreak, the Guangdong provincial authorities have implemented measures similar to those used during the COVID pandemic. According to Chinese news outlet NF News, all infected individuals must be isolated in hospitals and use mosquito nets until they test negative for the virus.
Where is chikungunya most common?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that American travelers to Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines face higher risks. The CDC has also issued a Level 2 travel alert for Foshan City, recommending travelers to get vaccinated before traveling. Preventive measures include using insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants. Pregnant women are advised not to travel to affected areas.
Leave a Reply