An outbreak of the chikungunya virus in southern China has prompted a strong government response as cases climb into the thousands.
The disease, which is spread by mosquitoes, is most prevalent in the manufacturing hub of Foshan, near Hong Kong.
With symptoms including fever, joint pain and a rash, authorities are implementing a range of aggressive measures to combat the spread of the virus.
Here’s what you need to know about chikungunya virus, its symptoms and its spread.
The name “chikungunya” is derived from the Kimakonde language of southern Tanzania and means “that which bends up”— referring to the contorted posture of individuals suffering from severe joint pain—according to the World Health Organization. The virus was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 and has since spread to over 110 countries.
The Symptoms of Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species.
Symptoms typically begin three to seven days after a mosquito bite and most commonly include fever and joint pain.
Other symptoms can include a headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or a rash.
While most patients feel better within a week, the joint pain can be severe, disabling, and in some cases, may persist for months—though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that death from chikungunya is rare.
Those at higher risk for severe disease include newborns, older adults and people with underlying health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.
There is no specific cure for the virus. Treatment, according to the CDC, focuses on relieving symptoms through rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen.
Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided until a diagnosis of dengue fever can be ruled out, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
A person with the virus can transmit it to mosquitoes for about a week after becoming ill, which is why preventing mosquito bites is crucial during this time.
China’s Response and the Outbreak’s Scale
More than 7,000 cases of chikungunya virus have been reported as of Wednesday. Heavy rains and high temperatures have exacerbated the situation, contributing to the unusually strong outbreak.
In response, Chinese authorities have adopted tactics reminiscent of the country’s uncompromising approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Foshan, the epicenter of the outbreak, is mandating that patients with the virus must remain hospitalized for at least a week. Authorities are also deploying drones to search for mosquito breeding grounds to mandating hospital stays for infected patients.
Prevention efforts are being carried out on a massive scale—with such including the spraying of disinfectant in public areas. Additionally, authorities are issuing fines of up to 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,400 USD) for people who fail to disperse standing water in containers like flowerpots and spare bottles, which serve as mosquito breeding grounds. According to the AP, in some areas, electricity can be cut off for noncompliance.
Could Chikungunya Cause the Next Pandemic?
With the similarities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the chikungunya outbreak prompts questions about how large it will grow.
Will Irving, Emeritus Professor of Virology at University of Nottingham, said there’s “not really” potential for the outbreak to become a pandemic—though it can spread to other countries.
“Transmission requires the presence of the appropriate mosquito,” he noted.
“However, with climate change, the mosquitos are spreading—and there are reports of the mosquito being present in parts of Europe.”
The U.S. has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for its citizens, urging them not to visit China’s Guangdong province due to the outbreak.
The virus is not contagious between people but can be passed from an infected person to a mosquito, which can then bite and infect others.
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