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Surge in Chikungunya Virus Cases Transmitted by Mosquitoes in China

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In Guangdong province, China, over 7,000 cases of the chikungunya virus have emerged since July, prompting urgent public health measures similar to those for a pandemic. The surge in cases has led to the implementation of mosquito nets in hospitals to safeguard infected patients, who are kept for treatment until they test negative or for a maximum of seven days.

Guangzhou, one of the hardest-hit cities, has initiated city-wide mosquito eradication efforts in response to the outbreak, with reports indicating that most infections are mild, allowing many patients to be discharged within the week. Although severe cases are rare, health officials have warned of the potential for serious outcomes in overseas outbreaks, urging continuous monitoring.

This epidemic is unprecedented in China, believed to have originated from an imported case in Foshan city, and has since spread to more than a dozen other cities, with approximately 3,000 cases reported just this week. Hong Kong noted its first chikungunya case when a 12-year-old boy fell ill after visiting Foshan.

The virus, transmitted solely through bites from the Aedes albopictus mosquito, is not contagious between people. The World Health Organisation indicates that chikungunya is rarely fatal and usually resolves within two to three days.

While US health authorities have advised increased caution for travellers in light of the outbreak, the Australian government has yet to issue specific travel warnings. Overall, authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the virus continues to spread through the region.

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