China battles rapid spread of chikungunya virus

Over 7,000 cases of the chikungunya virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, have been reported in Guangdong province, China.

The city of Foshan is the hardest hit, where patients are being treated in hospitals under strict measures, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Besides Foshan, at least 12 other cities in the southern Guangdong province have reported infections.

Nearly 3,000 cases were reported just last week.

Although the cases are mild, Chinese authorities have warned for increased caution.

However, the outbreak has caused panic, considering the virus is not widely known in the country.

Meanwhile, the US has urged travelers to China to exercise “extra caution” following the outbreak.

What is chikungunya?

Most people bitten by an infected mosquito develop symptoms within three to seven days.

Symptoms include fever and joint pain, as well as rash, headache, muscle pain, and joint swelling.

In most cases, patients recover within a week. However, in severe cases, joint pain can last for months or even years.

Those at risk of severe illness include newborns, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions like heart disease or diabetes.

There is no cure, but deaths from chikungunya are rare.

The virus was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 and later spread to other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

To date, it has been reported in over 110 countries.

The best way to prevent the virus’s spread is to reduce stagnant water pools that allow mosquitoes to breed, according to the World Health Organization.