China has implemented containment measures similar to those used during Covid to address a rising chikungunya outbreak, with over 7,000 cases reported across the country since July, according to various reports.

In Foshan — the city most affected — officials have required that infected individuals remain hospitalized. Patients are kept under mosquito nets and can only be released after either testing negative or completing a week-long hospitalization, as reported by the BBC.

The South China Morning Post noted that health authorities in Foshan have instituted real-name registration for anyone buying medications that treat chikungunya symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain. Pharmacies have been instructed to maintain detailed records of sales.

In addition to Foshan, at least 12 other cities in the southern Guangdong province have reported cases of infection. Nearly 3,000 new cases were documented in just the past week.

Two cities in southeastern China have advised travelers returning from affected areas to closely monitor their health for any symptoms.

On Monday, Hong Kong confirmed its first chikungunya case — a 12-year-old boy who exhibited symptoms after returning from Foshan in July.

Although chikungunya is not spread directly from person to person, it can be transmitted when an infected person is bitten by a mosquito, which then bites another individual.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently issued a travel advisory for China in light of the increasing number of infections.

Chikungunya, primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes — which are also responsible for spreading dengue and Zika — lacks a specific treatment and can lead to swift, widespread outbreaks. As these mosquitoes predominantly bite during daylight hours, it is essential to take preventive measures such as applying insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved garments.

Last month, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global alert to avert a recurrence of the chikungunya epidemic that occurred in 2004–2005. New outbreaks have surfaced in the Indian Ocean region, extending to parts of Europe and beyond.

The current increase in cases began in early 2025, with notable outbreaks reported in La Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius — regions that were previously impacted during the earlier epidemic.

What to Know About Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily Aedes species. Unlike many other mosquito-borne diseases, these mosquitoes are active during the day, which heightens the risk of infection.

Common symptoms include high fever, rash, and severe joint pain, which may persist for weeks or even months. While most individuals recover completely, the disease can lead to serious complications in older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions.