Chikungunya, spread by infected tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus), causes fever and severe joint pain but is rarely fatal.
GUANGZHOU — Southern China is battling a sharp rise in chikungunya fever cases, with over 7,700 infections reported in Guangdong province in recent weeks, health authorities said.
Most cases have been concentrated in the industrial city of Foshan, where 2,770 people fell ill between July 27 and August 2. Neighbouring Guangzhou has also recorded dozens of infections, while Hong Kong confirmed its first case on Saturday.
Chikungunya, spread by infected tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus), causes fever and severe joint pain but is rarely fatal. “The rapid rise of the epidemic has been preliminarily curbed,” said chief expert Kang Min, warning of “complex and severe challenges” due to typhoons, heavy rain, and high risk of imported cases.
Authorities have stepped up mosquito control, deploying teams to spray insecticide, clear stagnant water, and inspect homes and businesses. Offenders face fines of up to 1,000 yuan ($140), while some non-compliant residents in Foshan reportedly had their power cut.
The United States has issued a travel advisory urging caution, though Chinese officials stress the disease is “preventable, controllable and treatable.” The World Health Organization has not issued special guidance on the outbreak.