Guangdong Battles Chikungunya Surge with Aggressive Measures

Guangdong province has recorded over 7,000 chikungunya cases since July, prompting strong containment actions. The mosquito-borne virus, spread through bites of infected mosquitoes, causes fever, rash, and severe joint pain, which may linger for months or years. While rarely fatal, it can be severe for newborns, the elderly, and those with underlying health issues.

Foshan, the hardest-hit city, requires patients to remain in hospital under mosquito net protection until testing negative or completing a week-long stay. Authorities are urging residents to eliminate stagnant water and have threatened fines up to 10,000 yuan for noncompliance. Measures include releasing mosquito-eating fish, deploying drones to detect breeding sites, and introducing “elephant mosquitoes” that prey on smaller species.

Cases have been reported in 12 other Guangdong cities and in Hong Kong, but all infections so far have been mild. Officials stress that the virus is not contagious between people, and prevention hinges on mosquito control.

10-08-2025