Guangdong: Rising cases of chikungunya fever are reminding people across the globe of COVID-19 days, thus prompting extra health measures. Mosquitoes spread this viral fever that causes chikungunya in humans, with symptoms like fever and joint pain, which are rarely fatal, but expectant mothers, newborns, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems face a greater risk.

According to Anadolu Agency, this year, the chikungunya cases have soared to nearly 250,000, including 90 deaths, recorded in 16 countries. The bulk of cases have been reported in Latin America, with Brazil at the top, recording 185,553 cases, totaling over 240,000 until July, according to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Nearly 8,000 cases have been recorded in Guangdong province in southern China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.

First identified in 1952 in Tanzania, chikungunya cases and outbreaks have been reported in more than 110 countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The name 'chikungunya' derives from the Kimakonde language of southern Tanzania, meaning 'that which bends up.' It is caused by a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, and the virus is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Aedes mosquitoes are widely found in China, according to China's National Health Commission (NHC).

Latin America has reported most of the cases this year. Until last month, the highest number of cases were reported in Brazil, with 185,553 cases; Bolivia, 4,721; Argentina, 2,836; and Peru, 55. In recent weeks, southern China has seen cases jump, while travelers in Singapore and Taiwan have been found infected by the virus.

The industrial city of Foshan in Guangdong province has recorded most of the cases this year, where over 2,700 people fell ill within a week until early August. Early in July, local health authorities reported the first case as an imported case in a traveler. Neighboring Guangzhou, as well as semiautonomous Hong Kong and Taiwan, have also logged cases. Singapore saw its numbers double this year to 17, most of whom have travel history.

While Chinese authorities are yet to explain the latest outbreak of chikungunya, local authorities in Guangdong have launched stricter anti-mosquito measures. Residents have been told to clear stagnant water while drainage channels are being cleared of any blockage to avoid breeding places for mosquitoes. People buying medicine for symptoms of chikungunya are required to register themselves.

Amid rising cases in southern China, the US issued a travel advisory urging increased caution when going to affected areas in China. Vaccines and medication are available, with the US licensing two vaccines, including a live-attenuated vaccine (IXCHIQ) and a virus-like particle vaccine (VIMKUNYA). However, these vaccines are not widely available, and there is currently no chikungunya virus vaccine available in China, according to the NHC.