Chikungunya Virus Outbreak in China: Over 7,000 Infected as Guangdong Province Acts Swiftly

Over 7,000 Infected in China as Mosquito-Borne Chikungunya Virus Spreads Across Guangdong

August 6, 2025 – Guangdong, China:
A sudden outbreak of the chikungunya virus, spread by infected mosquitoes, has sickened more than 7,000 people across at least 13 cities in China’s southern Guangdong province, prompting swift action by health authorities. Although the virus does not spread from person to person, the response has included strict quarantine and widespread mosquito control efforts.

🚨 Rapid Spread Since July

The outbreak began with an imported case in Foshan city on July 8. Since then, the virus has spread quickly through cities north of Hong Kong, with nearly 3,000 new cases reported in just the last week, according to BBC and New York Times reports.

🏥 Quarantine Measures and Public Health Response

Infected patients in Guangdong are being placed under hospital quarantine and kept inside mosquito nets until they recover. Authorities have launched door-to-door inspections to remove stagnant water—common mosquito breeding grounds. People who do not cooperate with these inspections may face fines or criminal charges.

To further combat the outbreak, the government is using:

• “Elephant mosquitoes” whose larvae eat virus-carrying mosquitoes

• Mosquito-eating fish in ponds

• Spraying pesticides across neighborhoods

• Drones to identify mosquito breeding spots from the air

🦟 What Is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus that causes joint pain, rash, headache, nausea, muscle aches, and fatigue. The illness is rarely fatal, but the joint pain can last for months or even years, making it highly uncomfortable for those infected.

According to the World Health Organization, the virus was first detected in Tanzania in the 1950s, and its name comes from a local language word meaning "that which bends up"—describing the hunched posture of those suffering from joint pain.

❌ How It Spreads

Chikungunya does not spread from person to person. It only spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. However, mosquitoes can catch the virus from infected people and then infect others they bite.

💉 Is There a Vaccine?

Yes, there are two approved vaccines in the United States:

• IXCHIQ – for people aged 18 and older

• VIMKUNYA – for people aged 12 and older

The CDC recommends vaccination only for people traveling to outbreak areas like Foshan. Travelers are also advised to wear insect repellent, long sleeves, and pants to avoid bites. Pregnant women are advised not to travel to outbreak zones.

🌍 Travel Risk & U.S. Impact

Chikungunya is not common in the U.S., but travelers returning from countries like Brazil, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Nigeria, and now China may carry the virus. The CDC reported 199 U.S. cases in 2024, mostly travel-related. In 2025 so far, 46 cases have been confirmed.

On Monday, Hong Kong reported its first case in a 12-year-old boy, suggesting the virus may continue to spread across borders.

📌 What’s Next?

As temperatures stay high, mosquito activity is expected to remain intense. Health officials warn that more infections are likely, especially if mosquito control efforts are not maintained.