Foshan Health Authorities Urge Mosquito Eradication Amid Chikungunya Fever Cases

The health department in Foshan, located in the Guangdong Province, has issued a warning to the community following the confirmation of 1,873 cases of Chikungunya fever across three districts. The outbreak was first detected in the Shunde district on July 8, when one imported case was identified, leading to immediate action for prevention and control. As of the latest reports, Shunde has recorded 1,790 cases, while Nanhai and Chancheng have seen 34 and 49 cases respectively. Fortunately, all reported infections have been mild, with 720 patients having made full recoveries and no severe or fatal cases recorded.

In response to the outbreak, Foshan's government initiated an emergency plan, establishing a command center dedicated to managing epidemic prevention and control. This effort has involved collaboration among various departments, including health, urban management, education, and transportation, ensuring a coordinated approach to tackle the situation. A comprehensive epidemic investigation was conducted in critical areas, and medical resources were aligned to provide patients with timely and effective care.

Authorities are strongly encouraging residents to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings to combat mosquito infestations, and professional teams have been deployed to assist in mosquito extermination efforts in local households. These initiatives have resulted in a significant decrease in mosquito density within affected villages and communities, with 90 percent seeing reductions from high to medium levels and 33 percent achieving a safe level of mosquito presence. Chikungunya fever is caused by the Chikungunya virus, transmitted through infected mosquitoes, with outbreaks primarily occurring in regions such as the Americas, Asia, and Africa, and occasional smaller outbreaks in Europe.