A deadly mosquito-borne virus outbreak is sweeping through southern China, with thousands of cases reported over the past two weeks. The city of Foshan in Guangdong province has been particularly hard-hit, with 4,014 confirmed cases as of Friday. Health officials describe the outbreak as “quite severe” and have issued advisories for preventing chikungunya and dengue fever.
Symptoms include fever, joint pain, and rash. The World Health Organisation notes that fatalities are uncommon. To prevent infection, residents can use physical barriers like screen doors and mosquito nets, or apply repellent to exposed skin.
The Chinese government has taken measures to address the outbreak, including increasing mosquito-proof isolation beds to 7,220 and urging residents to eliminate standing water in their homes. Local authorities have also warned of fines up to 10,000 yuan for violating health regulations.
While chikungunya vaccines are available, they are not widely used in China. The country first reported a chikungunya spike in 2010 with 253 cases, and since then, several cases have been reported but were not widespread. This outbreak marks the largest scale of the disease to date in the region.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/china/chikungunya-fever-pains-symptoms-mosquito-b2796168.html