An outbreak of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus is prompting Chinese authorities to implement stringent containment measures, drawing comparisons to the country's initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak, primarily concentrated in Guangdong province, has seen over 7,000 confirmed cases since July.

The epicenter of the outbreak is the city of Foshan, where authorities have mandated the hospitalization of all confirmed chikungunya patients. These patients are required to remain in beds covered with mosquito nets and are not discharged until they have tested negative for the virus after a week. In addition to these measures, real-name registration is now required for anyone purchasing medications that treat chikungunya symptoms, such as fever and joint pain.

Chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes (the same type that spread dengue and Zika), is not new, but large-scale outbreaks are uncommon in China. The virus causes symptoms that include a high fever and severe, often debilitating, joint pain that can last for months or even years. Other symptoms can include muscle aches, headache, and a rash. While the vast majority of cases are mild, and death is rare, the disease can pose a greater risk to infants, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.

The spread has not been limited to Foshan. At least 12 other cities in Guangdong have reported cases, with nearly 3,000 new infections recorded in just the past week. The first imported case was also reported in Hong Kong, in a 12-year-old boy who had recently traveled to Foshan.

In response to the outbreak, local authorities have intensified mosquito control operations. They are urging residents to eliminate stagnant water and are using a variety of methods, including drones and the release of mosquito larvae-eating fish and predatory "elephant mosquitoes" to locate and reduce breeding sites. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel alert, advising travelers to China to exercise "increased caution."

The outbreak in China is occurring as the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies have issued warnings about a global resurgence of the virus. New outbreaks have recently emerged in the Indian Ocean region, and the virus has spread to parts of Europe and beyond, highlighting the need for increased preparedness and public awareness.