Chikungunya cases reported in Asia amid ongoing global alert
China is experiencing a major outbreak of chikungunya virus, with more than 7,000 cases reported in Guangdong Province, according to reports. In light of this development, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 travel alert. The virus is transmitted when a mosquito bites an infected person and then bites another. China is starting to use nets, insecticide and drones, along with other measures to reduce mosquito populations.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus, first identified in Tanzania in 1952 and now present in more than 110 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, it can cause sudden fever and severe joint pain that may last weeks to years, along with joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Symptoms often resemble dengue and Zika, making accurate diagnosis difficult. Most patients recover, but severe illness and deaths are rare and usually occur in newborns, elderly individuals or those with underlying health problems. There is no specific antiviral treatment, and care focuses on relieving pain and fever with medications such as paracetamol while avoiding certain drugs until dengue is ruled out. Two vaccines have been approved in some countries for at-risk populations, but they are not yet widely available.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports that chikungunya is also spreading in Europe. Since early 2025, about 240,000 cases and 90 deaths have been recorded across 16 countries in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. No locally acquired infections have been reported in the U.S. since 2019.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says chikungunya is now present in 119 countries, with an estimated 5.5 million people at risk. As of mid-July, the Americas have reported the highest case numbers, led by Brazil with 185,553 infections, followed by Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. WHO medical officer Diana Rojas Alvarez compared the current spread to the 2004–2005 epidemic that began in small island territories before spreading globally. The latest surge started in early 2025 in Indian Ocean islands such as La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius, with about one-third of La Reunion’s population infected. The virus has since reached parts of Africa, Southeast Asia and India. Two vaccines are available but mainly intended for travelers. WHO is working with countries to expand testing, train healthcare workers and strengthen outbreak surveillance, and plans to establish a new advisory group on prevention and control.
Meanwhile, Taiwan has confirmed its first case of chikungunya this year, involving a woman who visited Foshan and returned on July 30. Previous imported cases in 2025 originated from Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
Hong Kong has also reported its first chikungunya case since 2019, involving a 12-year-old boy who developed fever, rash and joint pain after visiting Foshan in July. He is being treated in a mosquito-free environment, and his household is under medical surveillance. Foshan has recorded more than 6,500 infections in recent weeks. Authorities in Hong Kong have conducted mosquito control at the boy’s residence, including fogging, removing stagnant water and distributing information materials.
The city has since confirmed three more imported cases, involving a woman returning from Foshan and a father and son who had travelled to Bangladesh. All three are in stable condition in hospital. Their household contacts are under medical observation. Officials have notified health authorities in Guangdong and Bangladesh and intensified mosquito control in affected areas. Residents are being urged to use insect repellent after travel to affected regions and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms develop. Chikungunya can cause joint pain lasting months or years, as well as fever, rashes, muscle pain and nausea.
This story is developing.
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