Traditional Chinese Medicine Aids in Chikungunya Fever Relief Amid Guangdong Outbreak

During a recent press conference, a leading expert from the Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine highlighted the significance of TCM in easing the discomfort associated with chikungunya fever, which has led to a notable outbreak in Guangdong province. From July 27 to August 2, the area recorded approximately 2,900 new chikungunya cases, though no serious cases or fatalities have been reported thus far, primarily due to the absence of a specific treatment for the illness.

President Zhang Zhongde explained that various TCM treatments are being utilized to help alleviate symptoms such as joint pain, fever, and rashes in affected patients. In addition to these therapies, specific dietary recommendations, including meat soup prepared with fermented soybean, lotus leaf, and white bean, have been proposed to enhance immunity during the hot summer months. These dietary practices form part of a broader strategy that includes preventive measures such as mosquito control and proper sanitation.

Emphasizing the depth of TCM's historical knowledge, Zhang mentioned that there are over 500 ancient texts focused on combating epidemic diseases, providing a foundation for developing various treatment and prevention strategies. In response to the outbreak, Ouyang Bo, an official from the public health administration, indicated that they are collaborating with the National Health Commission to update guidelines for diagnosing and treating chikungunya fever. This initiative includes training programs aimed at empowering local authorities to effectively incorporate TCM in their efforts to manage the outbreak.