Chikungunya outbreak hits southern China with over 4000 cases
Guangdong Province in southern China is experiencing its largest ever chikungunya fever outbreak, with more than 4,000 confirmed infections since late July. The disease, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has primarily affected Shunde District in Foshan, with cases also reported in nearby cities and regions. Authorities are urging residents to eliminate mosquito breeding sites amid concerns over climate change and urbanization.
The outbreak of chikungunya fever in Guangdong Province marks the worst recorded in China, according to a recent editorial in Biocontaminant. Since late July 2025, over 4,000 infections have been confirmed, with Shunde District in Foshan bearing the brunt, reporting more than 3,600 cases. Additional cases have emerged in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macao.
Chikungunya, first identified in Tanzania in the 1950s, spreads via bites from Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which also transmit dengue, Zika, and yellow fever. The virus causes sudden fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, and severe joint pain, leading to a stooped posture—hence its name from the Kimakonde language, meaning 'that which bends up.' While rarely fatal, it can cause long-term arthritis-like symptoms, fatigue, and recurring pain, especially in older adults or those with underlying conditions. Recovery typically occurs within a week through rest, hydration, and pain management, but no specific antiviral treatment or licensed vaccine exists.
'The outbreak reflects both the global spread of chikungunya and the favorable conditions for mosquito-borne diseases in southern China,' said lead author Guang-Guo Ying of South China Normal University. These mosquitoes thrive in urban settings, breeding in stagnant water around homes like flower pots and discarded tires, and are active during daylight hours.
In response, local authorities have launched a province-wide campaign to reduce standing water and mosquito populations. The editorial highlights contributing factors such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and international travel, which are expanding Aedes mosquitoes' range to over 110 countries worldwide. The World Health Organization has responded with updated clinical guidelines and its Global Arbovirus Initiative to enhance monitoring, prevention, and global coordination. Authors call for expanded genomic surveillance and community involvement to mitigate future risks.