Chikungunya cases are rising: What India can learn from China's response
Chikungunya is a viral illness spread by Aedes mosquitoes. It is the same type that spreads dengue. The disease causes sudden high fever, joint pain, fatigue, and rashes. While it is rarely fatal, chikungunya can lead to long-term joint problems, especially in older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions.In India, the disease has made regular comebacks, with outbreaks commonly reported in Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. A big challenge in tackling these outbreaks is that many cases go undetected or are reported too late, making it difficult to stop the virus from spreading quickly.CHINA'S AGGRESSIVE STRATEGYIn contrast, China is using a wide range of tools to prevent the virus from spreading.Drones are being used to locate areas where mosquitoes are breeding. At the same time, scientists are releasing large mosquitoes, known as 'elephant mosquitoes,' which do not bite humans but whose larvae feed on the smaller mosquitoes that carry the virus, according to a New York Times report.Chinese authorities are also taking strict steps at the community level. According to a BBC report, people in affected areas have been told to remove all standing water around their homes, even water collected in flowerpots, coffee machines, or empty bottles.If residents do not follow these instructions, they could be fined up to 10,000 yuan (about Rs 1.2 lakh), and in more serious cases, face criminal charges for not cooperating with public health measures.
A worker sprays insecticide at a public housing estate following reports of imported cases of Chikungunya in Hong Kong, China. (Photo: Reuters)
In some places like Foshan, infected individuals are being moved into quarantine wards covered with mosquito nets to prevent further transmission. Some residents have said they were made to pay for their own treatment.Soldiers in masks are spraying insecticide in parks and on streets. Thousands of mosquito-eating fish have been released into ponds.At building entrances, workers spray mosquito repellent on residents before they enter. Volunteers wearing red vests go door to door, checking for stagnant water and warning households to clean up. Refusing to comply can lead to fines or criminal charges under China's laws for infectious disease control.advertisementDOES INDIA'S RESPONSE NEED A SHIFT?India does have a system called the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), but most experts believe that it is usually reactive rather than proactive. Unlike China, there is little real-time coordination between hospitals, labs, and health departments.India does track mosquito populations in some districts, but the data is not always used to predict or prevent outbreaks early. China, on the other hand, uses digital dashboards that can be accessed by both local and central authorities, helping them make quick decisions.
China alone has recorded around 7,000 chikungunya infections since late June. ()
China also takes border surveillance seriously. In 2019, the country detected a chikungunya case from Myanmar at a border checkpoint in Yunnan and acted quickly to stop it from spreading. Travel screening using thermal scanners, digital tracking, and health declarations are part of routine checks for international travellers. In India, similar imported cases often go unnoticed.advertisementWHAT CAN PEOPLE DO TO PROTECT THEMSELVES?There is no cure for chikungunya, but there are ways to protect yourself. Wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito repellent, and staying indoors in air-conditioned or screened rooms can reduce the risk of being bitten. It's also important to remove any standing water around your home to stop mosquitoes from breeding.If someone gets infected, rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking safe pain relievers can help ease symptoms. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises avoiding certain drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) until dengue is ruled out, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.- Ends
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