Ongoing Chikungunya Activity Reported in China’s Guangdong Province; Outbreak Response Measures are Ongoing

While most chikungunya outbreaks in China have been linked to imported cases from Asia, Africa, or South America, ongoing climatic shifts and increased international travel continue to create conditions conducive to local transmission.  The current outbreak is occurring during Guangdong's hot, rainy season, with the province having entered the high-incidence period of mosquito-borne disease, further increasing the risk of local spread. The outbreak has already resulted in the regional export of cases, with Hong Kong reporting its first imported case on Aug. 3 involving a 12-year-old boy who traveled to Foshan's Shunde District, and multiple cases in Macau in travelers returning from Guangdong. Environmental conditions like high humidity, urbanization, and low population immunity drive this rise in chikungunya activity. As rising temperatures and increasing severity or frequency of extreme weather events enable mosquitoes to thrive in previously less conducive areas, the reach of vector-borne diseases is expanding.  

Recent outbreaks in French territories such as Reunion and Mayotte further illustrate how sustained chikungunya transmission in one region can result in imported cases and spark local outbreaks elsewhere. Local transmission has already been reported in Europe, including France and Italy. This pattern is also reflected in the current outbreak in Guangdong, where imported infections have preceded local transmission. These events underscore how global travel, low population immunity, changing environmental conditions, and favorable mosquito-breeding conditions continue to drive the geographic expansion of chikungunya. This represents the most complete data available as of Aug. 15.

No vaccination or specific treatment exists for chikungunya fever. Therefore, taking precautions to reduce the likelihood of insect bites is essential. If infected, symptom relief can be attained by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking non-Aspirin pain relievers.

• Know when mosquitoes are most active; Chikungunya is typically transmitted by mosquitoes that are active during the day and usually present in urban areas.
• Wear long sleeves and pants.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin.
• When possible, eradicate mosquito breeding areas by eliminating standing water.
• Have secure screens on windows and doors.
• If you are pregnant, immunosuppressed, or chronically ill, consider deferring travel to areas with chikungunya outbreaks.

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