China is currently experiencing its most significant chikungunya outbreak in nearly 20 years, with over 3,100 cases reported in Foshan, a city in the southern province of Guangdong. According to state broadcaster CCTV, all reported infections occurred during the month of July, marking the highest number of cases since chikungunya was first detected in the country.
What is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by Aedes mosquitoes, the same species responsible for transmitting dengue and Zika. First identified in Tanzania in 1952, the virus causes high fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms can include headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and vomiting. In some cases, joint pain can last for weeks or even months.
Possible Causes of the Current Outbreak
While health authorities have not confirmed the exact cause of the outbreak, experts suggest a combination of factors may be involved. Warmer temperatures, high humidity, and standing water can increase mosquito breeding, making outbreaks more likely.
"This kind of weather creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive," explained Robert Jones, an assistant professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. "Aedes mosquitoes are most active during the day and breed in small pools of water."
Experts also believe that the population's limited prior exposure to the virus may have contributed to the rapid rise in cases.
Response Measures
Local health officials have launched mosquito control efforts and are encouraging the public to eliminate standing water around homes, such as in flowerpots, containers, and drains, to prevent further spread.
Global Context
The outbreak in China reflects a broader global trend. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, more than 220,000 chikungunya cases and 80 related deaths have been recorded in 14 countries so far in 2025.
Even countries outside traditional tropical zones, including France and Italy, have reported local transmission this year. Experts link this global spread to increased travel and changing climate patterns.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued a warning that over five billion people worldwide now live in areas where chikungunya is a potential threat.
Chikungunya in China: A Brief History
China's first reported chikungunya case was identified at an airport in Guangdong in 2008. The first local outbreak followed in 2010, with over 250 cases also in Guangdong. Since then, only scattered cases have appeared in provinces like Yunnan and Fujian, until the recent surge in Foshan.
As monitoring and response continue, health officials are urging the public to stay alert and take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
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