Chikungunya is erupting in China. Photo credit: via the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases
Last month, the World Health Organization issued an urgent warning against the recent outbreak of mosquito-borne chikungunya virus. Now, Chinese authorities are rushing to control the outbreak of the disease as nearly 8,000 cases appeared within less than a month. But what can we do to stunt the outbreak before it becomes a full-scale pandemic? And what does that mean for Europe? Is the case increasing slowly but surely?
Chikungunya, a virus that spreads to the bites of infected mosquitoes, is a disease that can cause other symptoms such as severe joint pain, fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea and even rashes. Most symptoms are short-lived, but joint pain and other symptoms can last up to years after infection. The World Health Organization, or whoever issued a warning about it in July, saw a creepy similar pattern with the last outbreak of the virus. In fact, in 2025, a total of 240,000 cases and 90 deaths were reported in 16 countries and territory (through North America, Africa, Asia and Europe) last month.
However, the warning may have been too late for Chinese residents, as they have seen thousands of lawsuits over the past 30 days. Authorities don’t know what exactly happened, but recent rainy weather and high humidity have been suspected to have made it the perfect breeding ground for infected mosquitoes.
Chinese authorities oppose another “pandemic”
The Chinese government is taking solid steps to combat the spread of the virus, particularly in Guangdong, which is the most common. The insecticides are reportedly being sprayed on the streets, and infected people are quickly admitted to hospitals, reflecting strict measures taken by Chinese authorities during the spread of the 2020 Covid-19 global pandemic.
Additionally, the government is taking other measures to ensure that mosquitoes are hit. They ordered the citizens to remove all stagnant water from their homes. Huge “elephant mosquitoes” are being released, in the hopes of controlling infected populations of insects, as well as mosquito-eating fish that spray small diseases that eat mosquito-eating fish.
Nevertheless, Chinese officials say the majority of cases have been mild up to now, with most people (95% of infected patients) being discharged from the hospital within a week. Warm climates don’t help as they promote mosquito populations, but with colder climates coming later this year, the outbreak should also be reduced.
What can you do to stop the spread of the virus?
Fortunately, regular mosquito repellents are effective against spreading chikungunya and other mosquito-borne viruses. One, wearing long sleeved clothing, wearing spray-on mosquito repellents and removing stagnant water in your home, as you do in China, is an effective way to protect yourself from the spread of illness. Furthermore, plug-in mosquito repellent gadgets have also proven useful against pests. Those at greater risk, namely young children, elderly people, those who tend to get bitten more frequently by mosquitoes, and those with weakened immune systems, should take extra precautions against the virus. It may help you to find new updates from local governments or WHOs to keep you informed of spreading illnesses.
If you’re lucky, public perceptions of the disease can help people at risk take action against the virus and reduce its spread before they reach more places.
