Over 3000 Confirmed Cases For Chikungunya In China alone
Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the Chikungunya virus, transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, commonly known as "flower mosquitoes" (tiger mosquitoes). Currently, 119 countries and regions worldwide have reported local transmission, with large-scale outbreaks and sporadic cases occurring primarily in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. In recent years, the epidemic has remained persistently active in Southeast Asian regions surrounding China. China first detected imported cases of Chikungunya fever in 2008, which triggered local outbreaks, but stable endemic areas have not yet been established.
According to the latest announcements yesterday afternoon (23rd) from various districts in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, since the first imported case was detected on July 8th, as of July 22nd, five districts in Foshan have reported confirmed cases of Chikungunya fever. The cumulative number of confirmed cases has reached 3,195, with the majority concentrated in Shunde District. Additionally, World Health Organization (WHO) experts issued an alert on the 22nd regarding the mosquito-borne disease Chikungunya fever, urging countries to prepare their response to prevent large-scale outbreaks. Currently, 119 countries and regions have detected transmission of the Chikungunya virus, putting approximately 5.5 million people at risk of infection by this mosquito-borne virus. There is potential for widespread outbreaks that could put pressure on health systems.
National Disease Control and Prevention Administration Dispatches Work Team to Foshan to Guide Epidemic Control
Recently, an outbreak of Chikungunya fever triggered by imported cases occurred in Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province. The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (NCDPA) recently dispatched a work team to Foshan to provide on-site guidance. A responsible official from the NCDPA stated that the Chikungunya fever epidemic in Guangdong Province remains in a high plateau period, and the epidemic situation is still quite severe.
Sun Yang, Deputy Director of the NCDPA, stated that Guangdong Province must coordinate and mobilize resources across the province to strengthen surveillance and early warning systems and enhance testing capabilities; strictly implement mosquito vector control measures to ensure mosquito density is kept at safe levels; and strengthen regional coordination and cooperation to form a united force for epidemic control. The province must go all out to extinguish the outbreak locally as soon as possible, resolutely preventing spread, spillover , and importation . Foshan City must integrate all available resources to wage a battle to eliminate the epidemic; Shunde District must concentrate efforts to curb the spread given its focal situation; cities that have already received imported cases must take decisive and timely measures to prevent new cluster outbreaks; areas not yet affected must prepare in advance, strengthen training, and improve the ability of primary healthcare workers to identify and diagnose the disease, achieving early detection, early diagnosis, early treatment, and early management. All localities must continuously intensify health education, widely mobilize public participation, and build a tight defense line of mass prevention and control ; they must adhere to the principle of integrated prevention for mosquito-borne diseases, simultaneously managing the control of Dengue fever, Chikungunya fever, Zika, malaria, etc., while remaining vigilant against the risk of imported cases. Guangdong Province held a Chikungunya fever epidemic prevention and control work meeting today, analyzing and assessing the current provincial epidemic situation. The meeting emphasized the need to "prevent importation, prevent spread, prevent spillover, control new cases, and clear existing cases" , coordinate medical resources to effectively meet public needs for medical care and medication, meticulously implement all prevention and control measures, quickly block transmission chains, resolutely curb spread and proliferation, and prevent epidemic transmission on a large scale.
Regarding mosquito-borne diseases like Chikungunya fever, a recent health alert issued by the NCDPA explains that mosquito-borne infectious diseases refer to a category of diseases transmitted through mosquito bites. In China, key diseases requiring prevention include Dengue fever, Chikungunya fever, Zika virus disease, Japanese encephalitis , and malaria.
The incubation period for Chikungunya fever is generally 1 to 12 days, most commonly 3 to 7 days. Patients experience sudden onset of fever, rash, and joint pain. Fever can last 1 to 7 days and may be accompanied by chills, headache, back pain, general muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. The rash typically appears between the 2nd and 5th day of illness. In over half of the cases, a red maculopapular rash or purpura appears on the trunk, extensor surfaces of the limbs, palms, and soles, fading after a few days, sometimes with peeling skin. Joint pain mainly affects small joints like the wrists and ankles/toes, but can also involve large joints such as knees and shoulders. Severe pain upon compression of the wrist joint is a characteristic feature of this disease. Joint pain usually resolves within 1 to 3 weeks, but in some cases, it can persist for months. Newborns, adults over 65 years old, and particularly patients with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease are high-risk groups for severe Chikungunya fever. Once infected, they are prone to complications and require prompt medical attention.
Preventing Chikungunya fever hinges on three key actions: eliminating adult mosquitoes, eliminating stagnant water, and preventing bites.
Eliminate Adult Mosquitoes: Use insecticides in the home environment, such as electric mosquito repellents, mosquito coils, or insecticide sprays to kill adult mosquitoes. Maintain hygiene to prevent mosquito hiding spots.
Eliminate Stagnant Water: Regularly clean out all types of small water containers around homes and surrounding areas that can breed mosquito larvae. This is crucial for preventing ongoing mosquito breeding.
Prevent Bites: Install screens on windows and doors. Use mosquito nets while sleeping. When outdoors, wear light-colored long sleeves and pants, and apply insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites.
Experts remind the public that even in non-outbreak areas, people should strengthen their protection against mosquito-borne diseases during this season.
Experts also advise that if planning travel to Dengue fever and Chikungunya fever endemic areas like Southeast Asia or Africa, it is essential to check local epidemic information before departure and make thorough preparations for mosquito repellent and bite prevention. After returning, monitor your health closely for 14 days. If symptoms such as fever, rash, or joint pain appear, seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor of your travel history and any mosquito bites. This enables timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The REACHLINE Chikungunya IgG/IgM Rapid Test is a lateral flow immunoassay for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of IgM and IgG antibodies to Chikungunya virus in human serum, plasma,whole blood. It is intended to be used by professionals as a screening test and provides a preliminary test result to aid in the diagnosis of infection with Chikungunya virus.