Mosquito control urged in Foshan as Chikungunya fever outbreak spreads

Local health authorities in Foshan, Guangdong, urged the public on Sunday to step up mosquito eradication and prevention measures after 1,873 cases of Chikungunya fever were confirmed across three districts.

The outbreak began on July 8 when the Shunde district health bureau identified an imported case of Chikungunya fever, prompting immediate search and prevention efforts. As of Saturday, Shunde reported 1,790 cases, with 34 in Nanhai and 49 in Chancheng. All cases have been mild, with no severe or fatal outcomes, and 720 patients have recovered, local health officials stated at a news conference on Sunday afternoon.

Following the outbreak, the government of Foshan launched an emergency response plan, establishing a command headquarters for prevention and control. The base coordinated efforts across health, disease control, urban management, education, commerce, housing and construction, and transportation departments.