China has reported over 7,000 cases of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus causing fever and severe joint pain. The majority of cases have been mild, but officials are taking measures similar to those during the Covid-19 pandemic to curb the spread.
In Guangdong province, where most cases have occurred, patients must stay in hospital for at least seven days or test negative before being discharged. Authorities have also warned residents to remove stagnant water sources and release mosquito-eating fish into lakes and rivers.
The US has advised travelers to exercise caution when visiting China due to the outbreak. The virus is not contagious but spreads through mosquito bites, causing symptoms that can last for weeks or even years in severe cases.
China’s efforts to control the spread include releasing giant mosquitoes that devour smaller chikungunya-spreading bugs and using drones to detect stagnant water sources. However, some have questioned the necessity of these measures, comparing them to those imposed during the pandemic.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg0edj332yo