China is confronting its largest recorded chikungunya outbreak, with over 7,000 cases reported as of August 6, 2025. The virus, previously unestablished in mainland China, has spread rapidly due to the population’s lack of immunity. Foshan, a manufacturing hub 170 km from Hong Kong, is the epicenter, though 12 other Guangdong cities are affected. Heavy rains and high temperatures have accelerated mosquito breeding, worsening the crisis. Hong Kong confirmed its first case in a 12-year-old boy who visited Foshan in July.
Chikungunya, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, causes fever and severe joint pain that can persist for months or years. While most patients recover within a week, newborns, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions like diabetes face higher risks of complications. No specific treatment exists, though vaccines are available for travelers. The name "chikungunya" derives from a Tanzanian term meaning "that which bends up," describing victims’ contorted posture from joint pain.
Authorities have deployed drones to map stagnant water and released 5,000 mosquito-eating fish into Foshan’s lakes. "Elephant mosquitoes" (predatory insects that consume virus-carrying mosquitoes) and widespread insecticide spraying in streets, offices, and residential areas are also being used. Residents face fines up to ¥10,000 ($1,400) or electricity cuts for failing to remove standing water from flowerpots or containers. Patients in Foshan are isolated in net-covered hospital beds for at least seven days.
Some measures, like brief home quarantines and forced entry into homes to inspect for stagnant water mirror China’s COVID-19 policies, sparking public criticism. Social media users question the necessity, with one noting, "What’s the point of quarantine? Infected patients won’t bite others." Despite this, officials report declining cases, attributing progress to community compliance and innovative strategies.
The U.S. CDC issued a Level 2 travel advisory urging enhanced precautions for Guangdong, alongside Bolivia and Indian Ocean islands. Canada and the EU echoed similar alerts. The WHO emphasizes climate change and urbanization are escalating global outbreak risks, with 5.6 billion people now in vulnerable zones.