Chikungunya Outbreak in China Prompting Preventative Measures

LONDON — Chinese officials are implementing measures this week to slow the spread of chikungunya, a virus known for causing fever and joint discomfort. As of Wednesday, there have been over 7,000 reported cases, primarily concentrated in Foshan, a significant manufacturing area in the south.

So, what’s chikungunya all about?

Well, chikungunya is the name of both the disease and the virus that causes it. It first came to light during an outbreak in Tanzania back in 1952. Interestingly, the term derives from a word in the Makonde language, meaning “that which bends up,” likely referring to the intense pain it inflicts.

The virus spreads through infected mosquitoes. In general, chikungunya tends to bring on mild symptoms, with most people recovering without the need for medical care after a week or two.

Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes a rash. There are, however, rare instances where the joint pain lingers for months or even years. Those who fall seriously ill might need hospitalization due to the risk of organ damage.

The World Health Organization points out that severe cases and fatalities are uncommon and primarily affect babies and older individuals with pre-existing health issues.

Currently, there’s no specific treatment for chikungunya, but healthcare professionals can provide relief for symptoms like fever and muscle pain with medication.

Two vaccines have gained approval in regions such as Britain, Brazil, Canada, and Europe, mainly aimed at travelers, though they aren’t widely accessible in countries facing significant chikungunya challenges.

Chikungunya is known to cause regular outbreaks across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with occasional smaller epidemics popping up in Europe.

By July, about 240,000 cases had been documented globally, including 90 deaths in 16 countries, with Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru reporting the highest numbers of infections.

The recent outbreak in Foshan, located near Hong Kong, has led Chinese authorities to take actions such as distributing mosquito nets and spraying insecticides in residential areas, streets, and construction sites.

People who neglect to empty containers that could collect water and create breeding grounds for mosquitoes may face fines of up to 10,000 yuan (around $1,400) and possible disconnection of their electricity.

The U.S. has responded by issuing a travel advisory discouraging citizens from visiting Guangdong Province in China, which includes important cities like Donguan, as well as advising against travel to countries like Bolivia and several Indian Ocean island nations.

This year’s unusually heavy rainfall and soaring temperatures have aggravated the situation in China.