FOSHAN (July 25, 2025) — A fast-growing outbreak of chikungunya fever in China’s southern Guangdong province has triggered global concern, as experts and the World Health Organization warn of potential international spread. Over 4,000 cases have been confirmed in the city of Foshan since early July, prompting urgent mosquito-control efforts and fines for households that fail to eliminate breeding grounds.
Sun Yang, deputy director of the Chinese CDC, said the situation was “quite severe.” Authorities have increased isolation beds equipped with mosquito nets to more than 7,000, and local governments are intensifying public health campaigns to reduce Aedes mosquito populations.
Chikungunya, while rarely fatal, causes high fever and intense joint pain that can linger for months. With no specific treatment and little natural immunity in many populations, health agencies worry the virus could spread beyond China. The WHO has urged countries to act swiftly, citing climate change and global travel as key drivers of mosquito-borne disease risks.
The outbreak follows a wider pattern of chikungunya resurgence globally, including recent cases in Southeast Asia and parts of Europe. Although several vaccines are in development or approved in limited markets, none are yet widely distributed.