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Chikungunya Outbreak Sweeps Southern China, Thousands Infected
25 Jul
Summary
- Thousands of chikungunya cases reported in Foshan, China in just 2 weeks
- Health officials describe outbreak as "quite severe"
- Chinese CDC issues advisories to prevent chikungunya and dengue fever

A severe outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne illness, is currently raging through southern China. In just the past two weeks, the city of Foshan in Guangdong province has reported a staggering 4,014 cases of chikungunya fever, marking a rapid escalation since authorities began tracking the infection.
Health officials have described the outbreak as "quite severe." In response, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued advisories urging the public to take preventive measures against both chikungunya and dengue fever, another mosquito-borne disease. Recommendations include using physical barriers like screen doors and mosquito nets, as well as applying repellent to exposed skin.
Local authorities in Foshan have also nearly doubled the number of mosquito-proof isolation beds to 7,220 to accommodate the growing number of patients. The outbreak is centered in Shunde district, a popular tourist destination known for its Cantonese cuisine. China has seen sporadic chikungunya cases since its first imported case in 1987, but this current surge marks a significant and concerning development.