China Battles Worst Chikungunya Outbreak In Years, Over 7000 Cases Reported, Country On High Alert

Apart from Foshan City, at least 12 other cities in the southern Guangdong province are affected from chikungunya virus. A total count of 3,000 new cases was reported in the last week alone.

As of July, 7,000 cases of Chikungunya Virus have been recorded across China's Guangdong province, prompting health professionals to take proactive measures to take stock of the situation. Reportedly, Foshan city has been hit the hardest, where chikungunya patients are required to stay in the hospital with proper treatment facilities.

The city is on high alert to curb the situation; patients tested positive with the Chikungunya Virus are only discharged after a week-long stay or testing negative.

China On High Alert Due To Chikungunya Outbreak

At least 12 other cities in the southern Guangdong province are affected apart from Foshan. A total count of 3,000 new cases was reported in the last week alone.

Hong Kong had its first case on Monday, when a 12-year-old boy was reported of developed fever, rash and joint pain after travelling to Foshan in July. According to health officials, most cases are mild, with 95% of the patients being discharged within seven days.

China Health Officials Take On Disease

The Guangdong province is on high alert to curb the mosquito-borne diseases. Those experiencing symptoms, such as fever, joint pain or rashes, are urged to visit the nearest hospital.

Authorities have warned that the locals are to be fined 10,000 yuan ($1,400) if they do not follow the instructions of removing stagnant water from their house surroundings, flowerpots, coffee machines or spare bottles.

What Is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a common mosquito-borne disease that breaks out during the monsoon season. The virus that causes Chikungunya is found in many parts of the world, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Symptoms of Chikungunya And How It Spreads

The most common symptoms of chikungunya are high fever, severe joint pain, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and a rash.

An individual can get the chikungunya virus from an infected mosquito bite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), because of the high level of virus in the blood, Chikungunya can spread through blood transfusion, handling infected blood in the laboratory, and drawing blood from an infected patient.

How To Treat Chikungunya

To prevent the spread of the chikungunya virus, the CDC encourages using registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin and also choosing lodging with air conditioning or screens on windows and doors; use a mosquito net if you will be sleeping outdoors.

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