A chikungunya virus outbreak in China has gripped the southern province of Guangdong, with over 8,000 reported cases concentrated mainly in the city of Foshan. As the disease spreads at a rapid pace through mosquito bites, Chinese authorities are deploying a series of unprecedented public health and mosquito-control campaigns to contain what is now the country’s largest chikungunya outbreak since the virus’s 2008 debut.
The surge began in mid-June 2025, with the number of cases accelerating through July and early August. According to China’s National Health Commission, new local cases climbed to 2,940 in Guangdong Province just in the past two weeks, with no severe or fatal cases so far. This outbreak is part of a global trend, as chikungunya infections have reached over 240,000 worldwide this year, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
What Is Chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral illness known for causing sudden fever, intense joint pain, headache, muscle soreness, rash, and swelling. While rarely fatal, the disease can inflict chronic joint pain lasting for months or even years. The most vulnerable are newborns, the elderly, and people with underlying conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Efforts to Combat the Outbreak
Chinese authorities have swung into action, drawing from both modern disease-control methods and creative solutions:
- Massive insecticide fogging in public parks and city streets.
- Drones used to identify hidden mosquito breeding grounds in and around Foshan.
- Release of “elephant mosquitoes,” a species that preys on the larvae of chikungunya-carrying mosquitoes, and the introduction of mosquito-eating fish to ponds.
- Steep fines and even power disconnections for households that do not comply with rules to eliminate standing water.
- Community volunteers going door-to-door, helping residents remove mosquito habitats.
Hospitals in Foshan have set up mosquito-proof isolation wards for patients, who are typically released after a negative test or a mandatory seven-day hospital stay. Most cases remain mild, and nearly 95% of patients recover within a week.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel alert, advising “enhanced precautions” for those visiting affected areas in China. Travelers are urged to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms. While two vaccines are available in the United States, one is not recommended for those over 60 due to potential adverse effects. A vaccine is not yet widely available in China.
Table: Chikungunya Virus Outbreak Snapshot (August 2025)
Public Response and Path Forward
Foshan’s heavy response has evoked memories of the COVID-19 pandemic, with soldiers in masks spraying chemicals and residents facing fines or even power cuts for non-compliance. Still, officials stress the situation is under control, with most patients recovering quickly and the outbreak remaining geographically limited. The hot, humid summer, combined with the region’s flooding and typhoon season, has intensified mosquito activity, complicating efforts to curb the disease’s spread.
How to Stay Safe
- Remove any source of standing water in and around your home.
- Use approved mosquito repellents on skin and clothes.
- Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during early morning and late afternoon.
- Stay in places with window screens or air conditioning.
Chikungunya cannot spread person-to-person. Preventing mosquito bites remains the best defense.
As new updates unfold, the nation’s focus remains sharp on containing the outbreak and reducing risks for vulnerable groups. Have you witnessed these mosquito-control efforts or been affected by the outbreak? Share your experience or thoughts in the comments below and help keep our community informed.