CHIKUNGUNYA BATTLE REQUIRES LONG-TERM VIGILANCE, SAY EXPERTS

While outbreak in Guangdong is unusual, health authorities wary of future surges of virus

Guangdong province has brought the mosquito-borne chikungunya outbreak under control after a weekslong battle, but health experts have warned that vigilance needs to be maintained in the face of wet weather patterns in South China.

Over 8,000 people in the province have been infected with chikungunya, suffering symptoms such as fever, rashes and joint pain. No serious illnesses or deaths have been reported.

Foshan, a manufacturing city of about 9.7 million people, has been the core battlefield against the outbreak. Authorities implemented mass mosquito control measures, including lighting mosquito coils, installing nets and removing stagnant water. Disinfection crews and drones to eliminate breeding grounds were also deployed.