Recent imported cases of chikungunya fever in Foshan, Guangdong, and other areas have triggered local transmission, creating a complex and challenging public health situation.
Reporters found that on July 29 and July 31, the cities of Fuzhou and Quanzhou in Fujian Province issued health advisories, urging people returning to these cities to conduct 14 days of self-health monitoring. During this period, anyone developing symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or rash should seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare providers of their travel history.
What exactly does "self-health monitoring" for chikungunya fever involve?
On August 4, the Quanzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told reporters that there is no mandatory requirement for self-health monitoring, nor is there a need to report to community authorities.
On August 5, the Fuzhou CDC explained that the advisory was not targeted at travelers from specific regions but was intended to raise public awareness and reduce the risk of viral transmission. Staff stressed that because asymptomatic infections can occur with chikungunya and similar viruses, it is important for people returning from high-risk areas to monitor their health closely. They also urged residents to strengthen personal protection and seek prompt medical care if symptoms appear.
"If you are returning from Foshan or other areas experiencing an outbreak or at high risk of chikungunya infection, you should pay extra attention to your health. If you develop headaches, fever, or other symptoms, seek care at a qualified hospital. Upon returning, you should also take precautions against mosquito bites to prevent possible onward transmission of the virus," the official added.
Zhao Wei, Director of the Biosafety Research Center at the School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, told reporters that self-health monitoring is different from home quarantine — individuals can continue working or attending school while practicing good personal protection. For chikungunya fever, preventing mosquito bites is a key part of monitoring, along with recognizing warning signs such as fever, joint pain, and rash. Zhao emphasized that if any one of these three symptoms appears, individuals should seek immediate medical attention and disclose their travel history.
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