Chikungunya Outbreak Triggers COVID-Era-Like Response
China is racing to hold back a sudden surge in chikungunya infections, with almost 8,000 cases reported within a short period of time primarily in Foshan, Guangdong province. The authorities are responding to the outbreak with the same level of urgency that was used against COVID-19, implementing strict rules, mass insecticide spraying, and public obedience campaigns.
Those with positive test results are isolated in hospitals or quarantine areas, and given bed nets to avoid infecting others. Release from the hospital occurs only when negative results show up on the test. Public health officials and soldiers flood the streets with insecticide to kill mosquitoes carrying the virus.
Mosquito Control Tactics Go High-Tech and Controversial
Chinese authorities are also going the high-tech way by employing drones to reconnoiter mosquito breeding grounds from the skies. They’ve even unleashed “elephant mosquitoes,” whose larvae consume the disease-carrying Aedes species.
However, these campaigns have raised concern among the people. Stories are now surfacing of workers breaking into homes to look for standing water, yanking out or demolishing plants, and even disconnecting electricity in certain instances when people refused to cooperate. In Foshan’s Guicheng district, an estimated five homes had electricity disconnected for non-cooperation.
Authorities are calling on people to drain any standing water and making house-to-house checks. Violators may be subject to fines of up to 10,000 yuan or criminal prosecution.
Travel Warnings, Health Surveillance and Social Backlash
China’s vice-premier has just issued a call for a countrywide campaign to avoid further infections. The outbreak has prompted international agencies to issue travel warnings, with the US CDC urging travelers to exercise caution when traveling to China.
Foshan is now mandating real-name purchase of medication for chikungunya. Guangdong’s other cities are requesting that returning travelers monitor themselves for symptoms such as fever, joint pain, rash, or muscle pain. A 12-year-old in Hong Kong tested positive after a trip to Foshan.
Social media is complaining about the resumption of severe pandemic-type restrictions. “What do patients have, that they need to be quarantined? They’re not going to bite anyone,” joked one social media user on Weibo, voicing increasing opposition to such forceful measures.
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Risk of Global Spread and WHO Warning
While new cases have seemed to fall somewhat, the danger still exists according to health officials with heavy rains on the way to spur mosquito breeding.
The World Health Organization recently sent out a notice, cautioning that over 5 billion people worldwide are in regions exposed to chikungunya. The virus, which started in Africa and Asia, has spread to Europe and the Americas in the past few years. Lacking a vaccine or a specific cure, prevention by repellent, protective gear, and eliminating mosquitoes is still priority.
Guangdong provincial officials indicate that the next few weeks will be pivotal to totally contain the outbreak.
