Delhi Jal Board orders joint drive to control dengue sprsead
An official DJB order has called for urgent action to prevent mosquito breeding in and around all its establishments, including offices and residential colonies. Estate managers and drawing and disbursing officers have been instructed to coordinate with the MCD and the Health Department to roll out preventive measures promptly.
'All are aware that the rainy season has arrived... helpful for mosquitoes of Dengue, Chikungunya, Malaria etc. It is our duty to prevent mosquito breeding,' the communication stated. The directive mandates regular cleaning of water-prone equipment sites and areas where water may accumulate. A special sanitation and fogging drive has been ordered, and any negligence will invite strict action, with full accountability on the concerned officials, DJB warned.
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Chikungunya Virus outbreak in China: Which countries are at risk and how to manage the symptoms (prevention tips inside)
A major outbreak of the chikungunya virus in southern China has alarmed health authorities globally. Mostly concentrated in Foshan city, Guangdong Province, over 7,000 people have been infected since mid‑June this year. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel alert, advising travelers to practice enhanced mosquito precautions and consider vaccination where available. While fatalities remain rare, the illness brings severe fever, joint pain, fatigue, and sometimes long‑lasting aches that affect daily life. Chikungunya outbreak in China: What's happening China is currently battling one of its most significant chikungunya outbreaks in decades. Most cases, more than 7,000, are centered in Foshan, Guangdong Province, with smaller clusters in nearby cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Zhongshan. Although reported fatalities are few, health officials emphasize the strain on local healthcare systems. Infected individuals are being quarantined in mosquito‑proof hospital wards for about a week, and authorities have deployed aggressive mosquito control measures, including drones, larvae‑eating fish, and even predatory non‑biting "elephant mosquitoes," to suppress Aedes populations. The CDC's Level 2 travel advisory calls for enhanced precautions for travelers to Guangdong, emphasizing that while chikungunya is rarely deadly, its symptoms (mainly fever and joint pain) can be disabling, especially for older adults and infants. Which countries are at risk According to the CDC's current travel health notices, the following are the key risk areas: Outbreak zones: Guangdong Province, China, including Foshan. Additional outbreaks: Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Réunion, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Bolivia's Santa Cruz department, all flagged by the CDC for active outbreaks. Countries at elevated risk even without a current outbreak include India, Pakistan, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Thailand, due to frequent travel-associated cases in recent years. The CDC recommends vaccination for travelers heading to outbreak zones, if eligible, and urges pregnant women and older adults to discuss risks with their healthcare provider. What is the Chikungunya Virus? Chikungunya is caused by a virus transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes bite mostly during the daytime and are also known to carry viruses like dengue and Zika. The word "chikungunya" comes from the Makonde language of East Africa and means "to become contorted," referring to the bent posture of patients suffering from joint pain due to the disease. How does Chikungunya spread? The virus spreads when a mosquito bites an infected person and then bites someone else. It does not spread directly from person to person. After a bite from an infected mosquito, symptoms typically appear within 4-8 days but can range from 2-12 days. The illness usually lasts about a week, but joint pain can persist for weeks or even months, especially in older adults. International travel can also help the virus travel. A single infected traveler in a mosquito-prone area can lead to a local outbreak. Recognizing and managing symptoms Typical symptoms appear in a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito and usually include: Sudden high fever Severe joint pain, especially in wrists, ankles, knees, and fingers Muscle aches, headache, rash, fatigue, and joint swelling Most people recover within a week, but joint pain can linger for weeks, months, or even years, especially in older individuals or those with pre‑existing joint conditions. Since there is no specific cure for chikungunya, the treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and helping the body recover. Some home care tips that can help: Rest: Your body needs energy to fight the virus. Stay hydrated: Drink water, juices, and clear soups to avoid dehydration. Pain relief: Use paracetamol (acetaminophen) to reduce fever and joint pain. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen until dengue is ruled out, as they can cause bleeding. Cold compresses: Applying cold packs on swollen joints can ease pain. Nutrition: Eat light, nourishing meals to regain strength. Physical therapy or rehabilitation: Useful if joint pain and stiffness persist. Medical attention: If symptoms worsen, last beyond two weeks, or include bleeding, breathing trouble, or confusion, you're advised to consult a professional healthcare provider. Infants, elderly people, and those with chronic conditions are at higher risk of complications and need prompt care. Prevention tips: How to stay safe Since there is no vaccine yet, prevention is the best protection. Here's how to lower your risk: Avoid mosquito bites: Use insect repellent (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus). Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Sleep under mosquito nets, especially during the day if you're resting. Use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out. Eliminate breeding grounds: Empty, clean, or cover containers that hold water (flowerpots, buckets, tyres). Change water in birdbaths and pet bowls regularly. Keep drains unclogged and gutters clean. Travel smart: Before traveling, check the CDC advisories for any chikungunya outbreaks in your destination. Discuss vaccination options (e.g., Ixchiq for adults 18+, Vimkunya for age 12+ in the US) with your healthcare provider. Note the vaccine pause in older adults beyond a certain age due to safety concerns. Furthermore, pack insect repellent and netting in your travel bag. Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened accommodation. Pregnant travelers, especially near delivery, should reconsider visits to outbreak zones as transmission to newborns is possible.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
China reports over 7,000 Chikungunya cases, US CDC issues travel warning: Know what is Chikungunya, its symptoms
More than 7,000 Chikungunya cases have been reported across China's Guangdong province since July, triggering the Chinese administration to take measures similar to those taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, BBC reported. Chinese health officials have said that the worst affected city in the Guangdong province is the southern city of Foshan with most cases. Some of the measures for those affected by the mosquito-borne virus in Foshan include that patients remain in hospital, their beds will be protected with mosquito nets. Patients of Chikungunya cannot leave the hospital until they test negative or after a week-long stay. The Chikungunya virus is, however, a rarity in China and the outbreaks are more common in South and South East Asia and parts of Africa. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning for travellers due to the mosquito-borne virus being transmitted in parts of southeast China. The Chikungunya disease is caused by the Chikungunya virus which spreads through infected female mosquitoes, most commonly the subspecies Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are the same type of mosquitoes that spread Zika and Dengue virus. Chikungunya outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Indian and Pacific Oceans. In a troublesome update by the US CDC, there is no specific treatment for chikungunya. When a mosquito feeds on an infected person, it ingests the virus and can transmit it to other humans. The onset of the virus is usually four to eight days after the infected mosquito bites the person. People with risk of more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Those infected with Chikungunya virus typically show symptoms 3-7 days after a bite by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. According to WHO, Chikungunya virus can also cause muscle pain, headaches, nausea and rashes. The CDC says most people get better within a week's time but some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Mosquito bites turn deadly after chikungunya virus cases cross 240,000, CDC issues urgent travel warning over spread from China to the world
U.S. health officials have issued a stark warning for travellers heading to China, after a surge in chikungunya virus cases hit Guangdong province. The CDC released a travel advisory on August 1 urging Americans to exercise enhanced precautions, marking the region a hotspot amid a global wave of infections. CDC sounds the alarm as China battles chikungunya surge Foshan, a major city in Guangdong, has recorded over 7,000 confirmed cases since June. Chinese authorities held an emergency conference last month to strategise prevention efforts and promised to release early warnings through all available platforms to curb the spread. Global cases cross 240,000, where else is it spreading? The 2025 chikungunya outbreak is not limited to China. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, over 240,000 people across the globe have been infected, with 90 fatalities reported so far. Other nations battling active outbreaks include Bolivia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Réunion, Somalia and Sri Lanka. 🚨Chikungunya Outbreak in China's Guangdong Province: Over 7,000 cases of the Chikungunya virus, transmitted by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes, have been reported. Foshan City is the most affected, prompting urgent government measures. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, muscle… Additionally, countries like Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand and Nigeria are now being flagged as high-risk zones, even though official outbreaks have not yet been declared. What exactly is chikungunya? First identified in Tanzania in 1952, chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The disease shares several symptoms with dengue and Zika but can escalate more severely in vulnerable individuals. The World Health Organization estimates 5.6 billion people globally are at risk of contracting arboviral infections such as chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever. Symptoms that should not be ignored Health experts describe chikungunya symptoms as sudden and intense. The CDC outlines high fever, joint pain and swelling, muscle aches, headaches and skin rashes as the most common signs. Although most infections resolve within two to 12 days, some patients, particularly the elderly, newborns, and those with pre-existing health issues—may experience life-threatening complications including cardiovascular or neurological distress. Is there a cure or vaccine? Currently, there are no antiviral treatments available. Doctors usually prescribe medications to manage fever and joint pain. Two vaccines have been approved but are not yet widely accessible. A U.S. vaccine was paused in May due to adverse event reports. With no definitive cure and a rising death toll, prevention remains the most powerful defence.
