China's Chikungunya Outbreak: Over 7,000 Infected and Rising

A chikungunya outbreak has infected over 7,000 people in Foshan, China, with the virus spread through Aedes mosquitoes. The US CDC has issued a Level 2 travel alert, urging visitors to exercise caution and protect themselves from mosquito bites. Most symptoms appear 3-7 days after infection and there is no treatment, although most people recover within a week. Local authorities have launched aggressive mosquito control and quarantine measures, including fines for non-compliance. The outbreak has sparked public anxiety, with some users describing the prolonged consequences as "painful".

Title: China's Chikungunya Outbreak: A Multi-Front Approach to Containment

Foshan, China, is currently grappling with an unprecedented chikungunya outbreak, with over 7,000 reported cases in just three weeks. The virus, primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes, has caused alarm among public health authorities and prompted a multi-pronged response [1].

The outbreak, which began in late June, has led to a surge in infections, with the majority of cases reported in the southern province of Guangdong. In response, local authorities have implemented aggressive mosquito control measures, including the deployment of giant elephant mosquitoes [1].

These non-biting mosquitoes, known as Toxorhynchites splendens, are being released across Foshan to feed on Aedes mosquitoes, the primary vectors for chikungunya. The initiative is part of a broader campaign led by researchers at Sun Yat-sen University’s Zhongshan School of Medicine [1].

In addition to the mosquito control measures, local authorities have revived strategies reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic response, including mass PCR testing, isolation of infected individuals, and widespread disinfection of neighborhoods. Foshan is also turning to nature for help, releasing more than 5,000 mosquito-eating fish into ponds and rivers throughout the city [1].

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel alert for the Region of the Indian Ocean, including countries like Mauritius, Mayotte, Reunion, Somalia, and Sri Lanka, due to chikungunya outbreaks. The CDC urges travelers to practice enhanced precautions, including using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding areas with standing water [2].

Chikungunya, first identified in Tanzania in 1952, causes high fever, severe joint pain, headaches, and vomiting. While the virus is typically self-limited, it can affect the neurologic and cardiovascular systems, leading to poor outcomes, including death [2].

The outbreak in Foshan has sparked public anxiety, with some users describing the prolonged consequences as "painful". Local authorities have designated 53 hospitals for chikungunya treatment, offering over 3,600 mosquito-net-equipped beds, with plans to expand capacity as the outbreak evolves [1].

In nearby Guangzhou, authorities have published a detailed risk map of 120 communities and launched a week-long mosquito eradication campaign involving bi-daily spraying [1].

The CDC's travel alert highlights the global concern surrounding the chikungunya outbreak. The agency's recommendation to pause the use of Valneva's live-attenuated vaccine (Ixchiq) in people ages 60 and older, due to five hospitalizations for cardiac or neurologic events, underscores the need for caution in vaccine administration [2].

The chikungunya outbreak in Foshan is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by mosquito-borne diseases. The multi-front approach employed by local authorities, including the deployment of giant elephant mosquitoes and aggressive mosquito control measures, offers a potential solution to the current crisis. As the outbreak continues to evolve, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely monitored.

References
[1] https://slguardian.org/china-unleashes-giant-cannibal-mosquitoes-to-combat-worst-chikungunya-outbreak/
[2] https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/chikungunya/cdc-issues-indian-ocean-travel-warning-over-chikungunya-outbreaks