Chikungunya Virus Sweeps Through China: Should India Brace For Another COVID-Like Pandemic?

The recent surge of the mosquito-borne disease led the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issue travel advisory for the affected areas, urging visitors to take preventive measures.

Chikungunya Virus: China is grappling with a sudden outbreak of mosquito-borne disease, with thousands of cases reported in the past few days, especially in the Guangdong province.

How Serious Is The Chikungunya Outbreak In China?

The rising number of patients falling ill due to the chikungunya virus has led health officials to take proactive measures to contain the outbreak. Patients who test positive are expected to be monitored at least for a week in the hospital.

Authorities have also warned residents that they may be fined 10,000 yuan (Rupees 1,22,710) if they fail to follow the instructions, such as removing stagnant water from their house surroundings, flowerpots, coffee machines or spare bottles.

To curb the situation, the government has also distributed mosquito nets and sprayed insecticides in residential areas, streets and outdoor workplaces.

CDC Issued Travel Advisory

Amid the ongoing outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease in China, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel advisory for the affected areas, urging visitors to take preventive measures.

Prevailing Situation Of Chikungunya Outbreak In China

As per reports, 12 other cities in addition to Foshan, located in the southern Guangdong province, have been affected on a large scale by the mosquito-borne disease. In the last week alone, 3,000 new cases of Chikungunya were reported.

Which Regions Are More Prone To Chikungunya Virus?

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease which thrives in damp environments, making tropical and subtropical regions more susceptible to outbreaks.

Considering the situation, the CDC has also issued a travel and health advisory for outbreaks in Bolivia, Guangdong Province (China), Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, R union, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand.

Should India Brace For Another COVID-Like Pandemic?

With monsoon season in full swing, a warm and humid environment is non-negotiable in India. This climate change has the potential to trigger mosquito-borne diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, and West Nile virus.

To prevent global outbreaks of diseases spread by mosquitoes, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently released clinical guidance for treating four of the major arboviral diseases.

Prevent yourself from chikungunya by wearing clothes that minimise skin exposure, ensure to use mosquito repellents that contain DEET, IR3535 or icaridin on your clothes as well as in the exposed areas. Prevent mosquitoes from entering your house. If infected, rest, drink plenty of fluids and consult a doctor.

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