Authorities intensify mosquito control measures as Foshan's Shunde district becomes epicenter of mosquito-borne disease spread
Guangdong province has reported 2,934 cases of Chikungunya fever as of Tuesday, with authorities launching comprehensive prevention measures to contain the outbreak. The mosquito-borne disease, concentrated in Foshan's Shunde district, has prompted Governor Wang Weizhong to call for immediate action to cut transmission chains, with most cases remaining mild but spreading rapidly.
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The outbreak began in early July when health authorities in Shunde identified an imported case, triggering immediate intervention measures. The disease has spread primarily through Lecong, Beijiao, and Chencun townships, with 463 new cases reported in just one day between Monday and Tuesday.
"We need to focus on key areas and launch a thorough battle to eradicate the disease," Governor Wang Weizhong stated during Wednesday's epidemic prevention conference in Foshan. He emphasized the urgency of environmental sanitation efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
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Authorities have implemented multi-pronged strategies targeting high-risk areas. Wang ordered intensified mosquito control in narrow streets, alleys, garbage transfer stations, schools, markets, bus stations, hotels, and construction sites. Households have been instructed to empty containers and eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
The outbreak's regional impact became evident when a 61-year-old Macao resident was diagnosed with Chikungunya on Friday after visiting relatives in Shunde from July 8-17. This marked Macao's first imported case this year, raising concerns about cross-border transmission.
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"It is necessary to strengthen regional cooperation, form a united front in disease prevention and control, and make every effort to promptly extinguish the epidemic locally while preventing its spread and importation," said Sun Yang, deputy director of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration.
Health officials have reassured the public about the disease's manageable nature. Duan Leilei, a researcher with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized during a Beijing press conference that "Chikungunya fever is preventable, controllable and treatable, as it is mainly spread through mosquito bites and there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission."
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Duan recommended protective measures including wearing light-colored, long-sleeved clothing during outdoor activities, using mosquito repellent, and avoiding mosquito-infested areas. He urged individuals experiencing high fever, severe joint pain, and rashes, particularly those with mosquito bite history or travel to affected areas, to seek immediate medical attention.
The coordinated response includes medical resource allocation for patient treatment and comprehensive prevention measures against multiple mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever. "As the Chikungunya fever situation in Guangdong remains quite severe, it is crucial to enhance monitoring and early warning, improve testing capabilities and strictly implement mosquito control measures," Sun added.
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Chikungunya is caused by the CHIKV virus, transmitted through infected mosquito bites. The World Health Organization reports outbreaks in over 110 countries across the Americas, Asia, and Africa, with occasional European cases. Symptoms include fever and joint pain, typically mild but potentially debilitating. China has experienced sporadic Chikungunya cases, but this represents one of the largest concentrated outbreaks in recent years.
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With nearly 3,000 cases and counting, Guangdong faces its most significant Chikungunya challenge. Hong Kong remains unaffected but has pledged cooperation with Guangdong and Macao for joint prevention efforts. Authorities continue intensive mosquito control operations while monitoring case numbers daily. Success will depend on sustained community participation in eliminating breeding sites and maintaining protective measures until mosquito populations decline to safe levels.
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