By Michael Gwarisa
China has launched an aggressive response to a Chikungunya virus outbreak that has infected over 7,000 people, mainly in Foshan, Guangdong Province. The mosquito-borne virus, which causes fever and severe joint pain, has led to hospitalizations lasting up to a week.
In a COVID-style response, authorities have deployed drones to locate mosquito breeding sites and workers are disinfecting streets and buildings. Citizens have been advised to use mosquito nets and insect repellents, particularly the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. While the situation remains serious, officials report a slow decline in new cases.
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The chikungunya virus has spread at an alarming rate through China’s southern Guangdong province and triggered the deployment of drones to help hunt down insect breeding grounds. Residents in the current hotspots are being urged to arm themselves with mosquito nets and disinfectant, while those who fail to disperse standing water are at risk of being fined. More than 7,000 cases of the disease have been reported as of Wednesday, focused largely on the manufacturing hub of Foshan near Hong Kong.
Chikungunya is only spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and is rarely fatal, but it can trigger a host of unpleasant symptoms, including a fever, joint pain, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, and a rash.
[pullquote]People who are very young, older and those with pre-existing medical conditions are most at risk. It comes after a warning from the NHS of a mouth symptom that could be a life-shortening disease.[/pullquote]
The United States has since issued a travel advisory telling citizens not to visit China’s Guangdong province, the location of Donguan and several other business hubs, along with countries such as Bolivia and island nations in the Indian Ocean. Brazil is among the othe rcountries hit hard by the virus.
