COVID-era measures reinstated in China due to chikungunya virus outbreak

Authorities in China’s Guangdong province have reintroduced a number of restrictive measures reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic era. The reason is the rapid spread of the chikungunya virus — a rare but painful infection transmitted by mosquito bites.

The most serious situation has developed in the industrial city of Foshan, where over 7,000 infections have been recorded, particularly in the Shunde district. This is the largest chikungunya outbreak ever recorded in mainland China.

Chikungunya is not transmitted from person to person, but it causes high fever and severe joint pain. The disease rarely leads to death but can incapacitate patients for a long time. Hospitalization lasts at least a week, and symptoms often persist for several days.

In response to the threat, Guangdong authorities have started disinfecting residential areas, required citizen movement reports, organized sanitation of public spaces, and are monitoring the purchase of antiviral medications. Mass testing has also resumed, as it was during the pandemic.

Unconventional methods are also being used to combat the infection's spread: larvae and fish that eat mosquito eggs are being released into standing water, drones are used to detect water accumulations, and large-scale insecticide spraying is underway. Residents who fail to follow sanitary guidelines face fines of up to 10,000 yuan and even power shutoffs.

In light of the outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised the travel alert to level two. The agency advises using insect repellent on the skin, wearing long clothing, and avoiding areas with insect concentrations. Vaccination is also recommended for those eligible by age and medical condition.

Although the outbreak does not pose a global threat, Chinese authorities are striving to swiftly contain the situation to prevent panic and further spread of the infection.