China Unleashes Giant Mosquitoes to Battle Chikungunya Epidemic.

China is deploying giant cannibal mosquitoes to combat its largest chikungunya epidemic. The mosquitoes, called Toxorhynchites splendens, are nearly 2 cm in length and prey on Aedes mosquitoes, the primary vectors of the disease. The larvae of these mosquitoes can consume up to 100 Aedes insects. The city of Foshan has also released a local fish variety that eats mosquito eggs and larvae. Over 6,000 infections have been reported in Guangdong province, prompting authorities to revive tactics from the Covid-19 playbook, including mass testing and isolation.

China is deploying a unique strategy to combat its largest chikungunya epidemic, leveraging giant cannibal mosquitoes and local fish to control the spread of the disease. The city of Foshan, in Guangdong province, has reported over 6,000 infections in just three weeks, prompting authorities to revive tactics from the Covid-19 playbook, including mass testing and isolation.

At the forefront of this unconventional approach is the release of Toxorhynchites splendens, also known as elephant mosquitoes. These nearly 2-centimeter-long insects prey on Aedes mosquitoes, the primary vectors of chikungunya, dengue, Zika, and yellow fever. The larvae of these mosquito predators can consume up to 100 Aedes larvae during development, making them a powerful tool in the fight against the disease [1].

In addition to the giant mosquitoes, Foshan has released a local variety of fish that feed on mosquito eggs and larvae. Over 5,000 of these fish have been introduced into city ponds and rivers to help control the mosquito population [2].

The city has also designated 53 hospitals for chikungunya treatment, offering more than 3,600 beds equipped with mosquito nets. Additionally, authorities have published a risk map of all 120 communities in Guangzhou and launched a week-long campaign involving mosquito spraying twice a day [1].

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is planning to issue a travel notice for China as infections rise, a spokesperson told Bloomberg News this week. The CDC is currently assessing the size and extent of the outbreak, which has infected nearly 5,000 people in the country since July [3].

Chikungunya, a viral disease that can cause severe joint pain, headaches, and vomiting, was first identified in 1952 in Tanzania. Its history in China is short: the country recorded its first imported case in 2008, and the first local outbreak came in 2010, infecting 253 people. Since then, only sporadic cases have been reported — until now [1].

The outbreak in Guangdong province marks a rapid increase since the first chikungunya case appeared there in early July, fueling fears of further spread. The CDC has not yet classified the situation as a Level 3 ("Reconsider All Nonessential Travel") or Level 4 ("Avoid All Travel") risk, but officials remain cautious due to chikungunya's ability to spread rapidly through international travelers [3].

The Trump administration is considering issuing a travel warning for Americans planning to visit China amid this rising outbreak. The CDC has previously issued Level 2 advisories for chikungunya outbreaks near the Indian Ocean, as well as warnings for mpox in Liberia and Sierra Leone and yellow fever in South America [3].

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged global action to prevent another international chikungunya epidemic similar to the one that swept continents two decades ago. The WHO estimates that roughly 5.6 billion people across 119 countries are at risk [3].

Outbreaks of the virus have become increasingly common and severe since 2004, driven by adaptations enabling the virus to spread more easily through mosquito populations. So far this year, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported about 240,000 cases and 90 deaths across at least 16 countries, highlighting chikungunya's broad geographic reach [3].

The innovative strategies employed by Foshan, such as the use of giant cannibal mosquitoes and local fish, represent a potential blueprint for regions worldwide struggling with mosquito-borne diseases. This multifaceted approach underscores the importance of leveraging natural predators, aquatic ecosystems, and advanced technology to combat infectious diseases [2].

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-01/giant-cannibal-mosquitoes-deployed-to-battle-china-s-chikungunya-surge
[2] https://www.navigator-insurance.com/blog/china-fights-chikungunya-with-mosquito-predators/
[3] https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/chikungunya-virus-who-cdc/2025/07/31/id/1220898/