Chikungunya outbreak in China: What South Africans need to know
Should South Africans be worried about chikungunya, the mosquito-borne disease responsible for the current health crisis in China?
Although more than 7 000 cases have been reported across the southern Guangdong province since July, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reports that only 10 confirmed or probable chikungunya cases were recorded in South Africa between December 2024 and July 28.
Chikungunya is not endemic (constantly present) in either South Africa or China. This means that the cases reported in South Africa involved travellers returning from outbreak areas, including Mauritius, Kenya, India, La Réunion, Seychelles and Madagascar.
Although no new cases have been reported in South Africa since the end of July, Jacqueline Weyer, the head of the Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, says it is reasonable to expect chikungunya cases among travellers returning from several countries currently experiencing outbreaks.
'Notable outbreaks of chikungunya are being reported from several locations globally. For example, nearly 50 000 cases have been reported from La Réunion since August 2024,' she says.
The chikungunya virus is not transmitted from person to person, but through the bites of infected mosquitoes. However, Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit chikungunya, are present in parts of South Africa, meaning there is a potential risk of local outbreaks if the virus is introduced by an infected traveller.
The NICD says there are currently no licensed vaccines for chikungunya available in South Africa.
It adds that outbreaks have occurred across Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The first locally transmitted (autochthonous) case in over 10 years was reported in La Réunion in August 2024.
Since the start of 2025, the number of cases and their geographic spread have increased considerably, particularly from March onward, reports the NICD.
Experts say that climate change – which has brought warmer temperatures and increased rainfall – could be contributing to the prevalence of chikungunya globally.
Outbreak in China
According to Contagion Live, Chinese officials have stated that all confirmed cases have been mild, with over 95% of patients recovering in less than a week.
Most of the cases are in Foshan, a city located around 150km northwest of Hong Kong.
In response to the outbreak, China has implemented extensive mosquito control measures, expanded hospital isolation capacity and introduced health campaigns to limit the virus' spread.
Mozzies: A real threat
South Africans are well aware of how dangerous mozzies can be. They transmit several diseases, including chikungunya and malaria, with the latter having the potential to be deadly.
Malaria is one of the six major causes of death from communicable diseases worldwide.
Malaria vs chikungunya
NICD recommendations for travellers
Seek medical attention during or after travel if you experience fever, joint pain, headache, muscle aches, joint swelling, or rash.
If pregnant, reconsider travel to affected areas.
Prevent mosquito bites, especially during the day and late afternoon. Use effective insect repellents on exposed skin, wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and stay in air-conditioned or well-screened environments.
Weyer advises travellers to consult their travel clinics for health advice based on their respective travel itineraries.
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