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CDC issues warning over chikungunya virus outbreak in China’s Guangdong province
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel advisory for Americans visiting China, as an outbreak of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus rapidly spreads in Guangdong province.
The warning follows a surge in infections, with over 7,000 confirmed cases reported in the city of Foshan since June.
Chikungunya: Symptoms and risks
Chikungunya is transmitted through mosquito bites, and symptoms typically appear within three to seven days of infection. Common signs include fever, severe joint pain, headaches, muscle pain, joint swelling, and skin rashes.
While most patients recover within a week, some experience prolonged joint pain lasting months or even years. Newborns, seniors over 65, and individuals with diabetes or heart conditions are at higher risk. Although fatalities are rare, there is no specific treatment for the virus.
Local response in Foshan
Health authorities in Foshan have launched an extensive campaign to curb mosquito populations. Drones are deployed to locate breeding sites, mosquito-eating fish are introduced into water sources, and residents are sprayed with repellent before entering public buildings.
A global concern
The chikungunya outbreak in China is part of a broader global trend, with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reporting 240,000 cases worldwide across 16 countries, resulting in 90 deaths this year.
Other affected regions include Bolivia, Kenya, and Sri Lanka, with heightened risks for travelers to countries such as Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Staying safe during travel
The CDC has advised travelers to take precautions against mosquito bites by:
- Using insect repellents.
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants.
- Staying in air-conditioned accommodations or using window and door screens.
Additionally, the agency recommends vaccination, as two chikungunya vaccines are approved in the U.S. Travelers should monitor their health during and after their trips, seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or rashes develop.
