A mosquito-borne virus has infected over 7,000 people across 13 cities in China, prompting strict precautions similar to those during the COVID pandemic. The chikungunya virus, spread through mosquito bites and not transmissible from person to person, has been particularly aggressive, with nearly 3,000 cases reported in just one week.
Measures such as requiring infected patients to quarantine under mosquito nets until they test negative have been implemented, along with door-to-door inspections to identify stagnant water breeding sites. Authorities are also using drones and releasing fish to control mosquitoes. In some areas, electricity has even been cut off for households that refuse to cooperate.
The virus, which typically causes headache, muscle pain, nausea, and swollen joints, can persist for months or years if not treated promptly. While most symptoms resolve within two weeks, the joint pain can be debilitating.
China’s outbreak is part of a global issue with chikungunya, primarily found in travelers who have been infected abroad. However, the CDC has warned that U.S. travelers visiting certain countries are at an increased risk of exposure.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2025/08/05/new-illness-spreading-in-china-what-to-know-about-the-chikungunya-virus