China reinstates COVID-era measures as chikungunya virus spreads

Chinese authorities have reintroduced COVID-era containment tactics amid a growing outbreak of the chikungunya virus, with over 10,000 cases reported nationwide.

The southern city of Foshan alone has registered more than 7,000 cases, while 12 other cities in Guangdong province reported at least 3,000 more, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Hospitals are isolating patients under mosquito nets for up to a week or until they test negative. Chikungunya, spread by Aedes mosquitoes, causes high fever, severe joint pain, and in rare cases, life-threatening complications affecting the heart, brain, or eyes.

In a bid to contain the outbreak, workers are spraying disinfectants in public areas, drones are targeting mosquito breeding grounds, and residents are being ordered to remove stagnant water sources. Non-compliance may result in fines of up to 10,000 yuan ($1,400) or even electricity cutoffs.

While no deaths have been reported in China, health officials urge people with fever, rashes, or joint pain to seek testing. Similar to past COVID-19 restrictions, a now-rescinded 14-day quarantine was briefly imposed on travellers from Foshan.

The virus has triggered alerts worldwide, with the CDC issuing a Level 2 travel advisory for countries including China, India, Brazil, Colombia, and Nigeria. Although human-to-human transmission isn’t possible, infected individuals can pass the virus to mosquitoes, which then spread it.

Globally, the 2025 outbreak has surged, with 240,000 cases and 90 deaths reported across 16 countries as of early August. Brazil remains the hardest-hit with over 200,000 infections. The virus has also spread to parts of Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and is advancing toward Europe.

In the US, 47 travel-related cases have been logged this year. The country’s worst outbreak came in 2014, with nearly 2,800 cases, including locally acquired ones in Florida and Texas.

Chikungunya typically causes symptoms lasting 1–2 weeks, but joint pain can persist for months or years. Newborns, seniors, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions are at higher risk for severe outcomes, including cardiovascular issues and, in some cases, post-viral complications like Type 2 diabetes or hypertension.

There is no cure, but symptoms are manageable with fluids, rest, and pain relievers. The FDA has approved two vaccines—IXCHIQ for adults and VIMKUNYA for individuals aged 12 and above—although they are reserved for high-risk travellers and laboratory workers.

Dr. Diana Rojas Alvarez of the World Health Organisation warned, “We are seeing history repeating itself,” referring to the rapid global spread reminiscent of earlier epidemics.

By Tamilla Hasanova