Chikungunya: Is a pandemic coming?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued an urgent alert last month against the latest outbreak of mosquito-borne Chikungunya. Authorities in China are now scrambling in order to contain the spread of the disease after nearly 8,000 new cases have appeared in less than one month. What can we do now to stop the spread of the disease before it turns into a pandemic? What does it mean for Europe? Cases are increasing slowly but surely.

Chikungunya (a virus transmitted by mosquitoes infected with the disease) can cause severe pain and fever as well other symptoms including headaches, nausea, muscle pain and even a rash. The majority of symptoms will disappear within a few weeks, but joint pains and other symptoms can last for up to two years. In July, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a warning, citing eerily identical patterns as the last outbreak. Last month, 240,000 cases with 90 deaths were reported across 16 countries in North and South America as well as Africa, Asia and Europe.

Warnings may have come too late, given that thousands of cases were reported in China over the past 30 days. The authorities are still unsure of the exact cause, but they suspect that the recent rainy weather combined with high humidity in the area has created a breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying the virus.

Chinese authorities respond to another “pandemic”.

China has taken strong measures to stop the spread of this virus, especially in Guangdong Province where it is most prevalent. According to reports, the Chinese government is spraying insecticide on the streets and admitting those infected into hospitals in a sort of quarantine. These measures mirror the strict measures that the Chinese authorities adopted during the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic outbreak in 2020. There have been travel notices issued to anyone planning a trip to China.

The government has also taken other measures to make sure mosquitoes are a thing of the past. They have ordered residents to remove any stagnant water in their homes and threatened them with a fine for not doing so. In order to control the mosquito population, the government released giant “elephant” mosquitoes that eat smaller mosquitoes that spread disease. They also released mosquito-eating fishing.

According to Chinese officials the majority of cases have been mild, and the vast majority (95%) of patients are discharged from hospital within one week. Warm weather encourages mosquitoes, which is not good for the situation. However, with colder weather expected later in the year, this outbreak should also be reduced.

What can be done to stop the spread?

Regular mosquito repellant measures can help prevent the spread of chikungunya, and other viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. Wearing long sleeves, using spray-on repellant and removing stagnant water from your home are all effective ways to prevent the spread of the virus. Moreover, plug in mosquito repellant gadgets also prove useful against pests. The most vulnerable people, such as young children, elderly individuals, those who are bitten by mosquitoes frequently, and those with weak immune systems should take extra precautions to avoid this virus. You can also stay informed by checking for updates from local authorities or WHO.

The public’s increased awareness about the disease will hopefully encourage those who are at risk to act against it and stop its spread before it can reach more areas.