Topline
A mosquito-born virus that has contaminated greater than 7,000 individuals throughout not less than 13 cities in China has sparked precautions much like these imposed throughout the COVID pandemic in makes an attempt to cease its unfold regardless of the virus not being transmittable from individual to individual.
A sanitation employee sprays insecticide to stop the unfold of Chikungunya on Aug. 3, 2025 in Dongguan, Guangdong Province of China.
VCG by way of Getty Pictures
Key Information
The chikungunya virus, which spreads solely by way of the chew of an contaminated mosquito and is not normally deadly, has unfold rapidly throughout greater than a dozen cities within the southern Guangdong province, simply north of Hong Kong, with nearly 3,000 circumstances reported within the final week alone, based on the BBC.
Chikungunya is normally a rarity in China however infections have unfold quickly after an imported case was detected in Foshan metropolis, which has been the toughest hit, on July 8 and unfold from there, the New York Occasions reported.
In Guangdong, measures paying homage to these used throughout the COVID pandemic have been instituted, together with requiring all contaminated sufferers to stay in hospital quarantine below a mosquito internet till they check unfavourable for the virus, based on a translation of Chinese language information outlet NF Information.
Authorities are conducting door-to-door dwelling inspections to make sure the elimination of stagnant water, the place mosquitos breed, and people who fail to cooperate could be fined or face prison prices for “obstructing the prevention of infectious illnesses,” based on a authorities flyer translated by the Occasions.
Different precautions taken embody introducing large “elephant mosquitoes” within the area in hopes their larvae will eat the virus-carrying mosquitoes, releasing mosquito-eating fish into native ponds, spraying pesticides and sending out drones with the mission of figuring out mosquito breeding websites, the Occasions reported.
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Shocking Truth
At the least 5 households had their electrical energy reduce off as a result of they didn’t cooperate with door-to-door inspections, the New York Occasions reported, citing a neighborhood committee discover issued within the district of Guicheng.
What Is Chikungunya Virus?
Chikungunya is a mosquito-born virus that presents mostly with a headache, muscle ache, nausea, fatigue, rash and swollen joints. Whereas most signs normally resolve inside two weeks, the “debilitating” joint ache can persist for months or years, based on the World Well being Group. The joint ache is the calling card of chikungunya and, with out it, individuals with the virus can simply be misdiagnosed as having dengue or Zika, making it arduous to know precisely how many individuals are contaminated. Chikungunya was first detected in southern Tanzania within the Nineteen Fifties. The title comes from a phrase within the Kimakonde language of southern Tanzania meaning “that which bends up,” meant to explain the contorted posture of individuals with extreme joint ache.
How Does Chikungunya Virus Unfold?
Chikungunya can solely be transmitted to an individual by way of the chew of an contaminated mosquito, however individuals can transmit it proper again to the insect. So if a non-infected mosquito bites an individual with the chikungunya, it will possibly contract the virus and infect the subsequent wholesome particular person it bites. It’s not contagious or transmittable individual to individual.
Is There A Chikungunya Vaccine?
Sure. There are two permitted to be used in the US: IXCHIQ, a live-attenuated vaccine, is permitted for individuals 18 and older and VIMKUNYA, a virus-like particle vaccine, is permitted for these 12 and older. The CDC solely recommends the vaccine to individuals touring to an space with a chikungunya outbreak.
Is There Chikungunya Virus In The USA?
Sure, however it’s not widespread. Within the U.S., chikungunya is primarily present in vacationers who’ve been contaminated in different nations and a regionally acquired case hasn’t been reported since 2019. However travel-associated circumstances are on the rise. Chikungunya was hardly ever discovered within the U.S. earlier than 2006, however as many as 28 individuals per yr examined constructive from 2006 to 2013. Practically 3,000 travel-associated circumstances have been recognized in 2014 however that quantity steadily decreased all the way down to 36 in 2021 earlier than slowly climbing once more. There have been 199 circumstances present in 2024 and, in 2025, there have been 46 circumstances to this point.
The place Chikungunya Virus Most Generally Discovered?
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention warn that U.S. vacationers visiting Brazil, Columbia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines are at an elevated danger of publicity. The CDC additionally issued a Stage 2 journey alert for Foshan metropolis, and recommends any traveler to the realm be vaccinated. Individuals who do go to are inspired to stop mosquito bites by carrying insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants. Pregnant girls are suggested to not journey to the area.
What To Watch For
Extra infections. Hong Kong reported its first case of chikungunya in a 12-year-old boy Monday.
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