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Guangdong Confronts Over 8,000 Chikungunya Infections in First Mainland China Outbreak

Authorities have enacted measures mirroring the COVID response to contain the virus as it circulates in 119 countries.

Overview

  • Guangdong province has recorded more than 8,000 chikungunya cases, with Foshan as the epicenter and additional infections identified in Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
  • Local authorities have imposed COVID-style controls including pharmacy customer registration, specialized isolation wards for patients, and mandatory 14-day self-monitoring for returnees.
  • Vector-control efforts deploy larvivorous fish and harmless elephant mosquitoes alongside widespread insecticide spraying and drone operations to eliminate standing-water breeding sites.
  • The World Health Organization reports chikungunya is active in 119 countries and the U.S. government has issued a travel warning for Guangdong.
  • Experts warn the outbreak stems from low population immunity and monsoon-driven mosquito proliferation, intensifying concerns over further spread.