Taipei, Taiwan
AP
—
Chinese authorities are employing various methods, including nets, insecticide spraying, and even drones, in their battle against the chikungunya virus, which has affected thousands.
As of Wednesday, over 7,000 cases have been reported, particularly concentrated in Foshan, a manufacturing hub roughly 170 kilometers (about 105 miles) from Hong Kong. Interestingly, it seems that the rate of new infections is gradually decreasing, according to officials.
This outbreak is possibly the largest of its kind ever seen in China, as noted by Cesar Lopez-Camacho from the University of Oxford. The chikungunya virus, spread by infected mosquitoes, can lead to symptoms such as fever and joint pain.
“What makes this event significant is that chikungunya has never previously been established in mainland China,” Lopez-Camacho pointed out. This leads to a lack of existing immunity in much of the population, which likely facilitates the virus’s rapid spread.
State media have shown images of workers spraying insecticide in urban areas, residential neighborhoods, and construction sites, places where people might encounter mosquitoes. In fact, some locations have been treated even before people enter them.
Compounding the situation are unusually heavy rains and high temperatures, which have made the crisis even worse. Authorities are utilizing drones to locate standing water, a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Additionally, officials have threatened fines for those who do not remove standing water from containers. Fines can be as high as 10,000 yuan (around $1,400), and there have been discussions about cutting off power to offenders.
In response to the virus, the US has issued a travel advisory recommending that Americans exercise caution when visiting Guangdong province, which includes Foshan, as well as Bolivia and certain island nations in the Indian Ocean.
Following the SARS outbreak in 2003, China has implemented stringent measures to control the spread of viruses. This recent outbreak has seen patients in Foshan required to remain hospitalized for at least a week, and there was a temporary two-week home quarantine that was rescinded since the virus does not transmit between people.
Interestingly, reports have surfaced about efforts to combat chikungunya using fish that consume mosquito larvae, as well as larger mosquitoes that prey on those responsible for carrying the virus.
In a clear signal of China’s resolve to eradicate this outbreak and mitigate any public or international criticism, officials have convened meetings and established protocols at the national level.
