CHINA: A sudden outbreak of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus in China’s Guangdong province has triggered panic, with over 7,000 cases reported so far—most of them in the city of Foshan, now considered the epicenter of the virus.

Authorities have introduced strict measures similar to COVID-era lockdowns. Patients are being hospitalized, placed under mosquito nets, and only discharged after testing negative or completing a 7-day recovery period.

Chikungunya spreads through mosquito bites and causes high fever and severe joint pain, which can sometimes last for months or even years. While it’s generally rare in China, the virus is now spreading quickly in the country’s southern regions.

In just the past week, 3,000 new cases were reported. Hong Kong also recorded its first case a 12-year-old boy who had recently returned from Foshan.

To contain the virus, local authorities have ordered residents to eliminate all standing water from pots and bottles to coffee machines—or face fines of up to 10,000 yuan (roughly PKR 400,000).

Officials are also releasing “giant elephant mosquitoes”, which eat smaller, virus-carrying mosquitoes, and have introduced 5,000 mosquito-eating fish into local lakes. Drones are now being used to detect stagnant water in urban areas.

Although 95% of cases are mild, the rapid spread and strict response have reignited fears of another major health crisis. The U.S. has already advised travelers to exercise caution when visiting China.

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