China has recorded its largest-ever outbreak of Chikungunya disease, with more than 10,000 cases reported. This has seriously strained the country’s health system, especially in the southern and coastal regions.
The Chikungunya virus, which is transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, causes the following symptoms:
- High fever,
- Severe joint pain,
- Skin rashes and general malaise.
The situation is worrying experts because:
- The number of cases is constantly increasing,
- There is a high risk of the virus spreading to other regions, including Southeast Asian countries and beyond Asia via international flights.
The Chinese authorities are stepping up measures:
- Mosquito extermination (disinfection),
- Strengthening sanitary control,
- Awareness campaigns are being conducted for the population.
The World Health Organization is monitoring the situation and, although it has not yet declared an international emergency, it is being seen as a “global signal,” especially in light of climate change and insect migration.
