New outbreak of chikungunya fever in China: more than 8000 cases in Guangdong, state of emergency declared

In the southern regions of China, there is growing concern about an outbreak of chikungunya fever – a viral disease transmitted through bites of Aedes mosquitoes. According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Guangdong province is facing the largest epidemic in the country's history: by September 19, 2025, over 8,000 confirmed cases have been registered, primarily in the cities of Foshan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Jiangmen. Provincial authorities have declared a level three public health emergency, launching large-scale measures for mosquito eradication and monitoring. This is reported in the official China CDC report dated August 7, 2025, and the World Health Organization (WHO) warning from July 22.

The outbreak began in July: on July 9, a cluster of imported cases was recorded in Foshan, which quickly grew into local transmission. As of August 2, 2,892 new cases have been registered in Foshan, accounting for 95% of the total in the province. In Jiangmen, according to local authorities, 1,714 infections had accumulated by September 19. All cases are mild: patients experience fever, joint pain, swelling, muscle pain, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and rash. No severe forms or fatalities have been reported, as confirmed by the Guangdong Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Guangdong CDC). "The situation is under control but requires strict adherence to precautionary measures," officials stated.

The WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have classified the risk as "elevated" for travelers to Guangdong, recommending vaccination (Ixchiq and Vimkunya, approved in 2025) for at-risk groups: newborns, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases. In response to the threat, Guangdong is conducting mass testing, isolating infected individuals, and disinfecting neighborhoods, drawing on experience from fighting COVID-19. From July 26 to August 1, Guangzhou conducted a week-long mosquito eradication campaign using drones and insecticides. By July 28, 78% of affected areas had achieved safe levels of insect density.

Experts emphasize: chikungunya, first described in 1952 in Tanzania, affects more than 110 countries and poses a threat to billions in tropical and subtropical zones. In 2025, the global increase in cases is linked to climate change, which enhances Aedes reproduction. In China, where population immunity is low, the epidemic in Guangdong is the largest, with a downward trend: according to Xinhua from August 8, new cases are decreasing. However, on August 8, Taiwan reported the first imported case from Foshan, raising the alert level for Guangdong to the second of three.

International organizations, including NPR and TIME, note the effectiveness of China's measures but warn about the risk of virus export through travelers. Citizens are advised to: use repellents, wear long clothing, install window screens, and eliminate standing water. Follow updates from WHO and CDC: global monitoring continues, with emphasis on vaccines and vector control.