‘Take guard against mosquito bites'
The schools received a notice on Thursday, asking them to focus on regular cleaning of premises to prevent mosquito breeding and to educate students about safeguards.
The circular said schools should ask students to wear full-sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellent. The institutes were also asked to eliminate breeding sites of Aedes mosquitoes, like stagnant water in containers, flowerpots, or discarded items.
School authorities were asked to monitor and keep track of suspected dengue cases, if any.
Jadavpur Vidyapith has asked students to wear clothing that covers the arms and legs, and to immediately inform parents and seek medical attention if they feel feverish and have symptoms like severe headache, muscle pain, or rashes. Headmaster Partha Pratim Baidya said, "We have asked students to watch out for and remove stagnant water."
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Children Welfare Association School's headmistress Sarbari Sengupta said they will hold an awareness drama next week to educate students about preventive measures, while focusing on regular campus cleaning. "We have asked students to wear full-sleeved uniforms," she said. Jodhpur Park Boys' School headmaster Amit Sen Majumder said they regularly clean the campus but waterlogging is a concern. "I will write to the local councillor to clean drains to prevent waterlogging on the campus.
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First Post
13 hours ago
- First Post
Covid-style measures, drones and more... Inside China's efforts to battle Chikungunya outbreak
A chikungunya outbreak in southern China has infected over 7,000 people, triggering aggressive mosquito-control measures and hospital isolations. Originating in Foshan, the virus has spread across Guangdong province read more A female mosquito is seen on the forearm of a health technician in a laboratory at the entomology department of the Ministry of Public Health in Guatemala City, February 4, 2016. Representational Image/Reuters Southern China is currently witnessing an unprecedented spike in chikungunya virus cases, with over 7,000 infections recorded in a matter of weeks. The outbreak — originating in Foshan, a populous city in Guangdong province — has prompted public health measures, including both conventional mosquito-control strategies and unconventional methods rarely seen outside research settings. China has not experienced a chikungunya outbreak of this scale since the virus was first detected in the country nearly 20 years ago. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Once a disease limited to sporadic imported cases, the chikungunya virus has now evolved into a pressing domestic health challenge. Though the virus is not directly transmissible from one person to another, the outbreak has escalated rapidly due to the region's environmental conditions, which are highly conducive to the proliferation of Aedes mosquitoes — the vector responsible for transmitting the disease. In Foshan alone, nearly 3,000 new cases were reported between July 27 and August 2, and infections have now appeared in several surrounding cities including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Zhongshan. What is Chikungunya? The chikungunya virus, first identified in 1952 in southern Tanzania, belongs to a family of viruses spread primarily through the bites of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These same mosquito species are known carriers of other viruses such as dengue and Zika. Following an infectious bite, symptoms typically appear between four and eight days later. Most patients present with sudden fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and rashes. However, what distinguishes chikungunya from other mosquito-borne illnesses is the intense and persistent joint pain, often severe enough to leave patients bent over or stooped, a posture that inspired the name of the disease. The word 'chikungunya' comes from the Kimakonde language spoken in parts of Tanzania and means 'that which bends up.' According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the virus typically resolves within two weeks, but in many cases, the associated joint pain can last for months — or even years — especially among the elderly and those with preexisting joint issues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While serious complications are rare and fatalities are extremely uncommon, the disease can be particularly dangerous for infants, senior citizens, and those with weakened immune systems. Chikungunya is not transmitted between humans. However, infected individuals can pass the virus back to mosquitoes if bitten again, creating a cycle that perpetuates local transmission. A June study published in Nature estimated that about 35.3 million people contract chikungunya annually across 180 countries and territories, though only about 3,700 deaths are linked to the virus worldwide each year. How did the outbreak occur in China? The current surge in southern China began with what health authorities believe was an imported case in Foshan in early July. Though the original source has not been publicly detailed, China's CDC attributes the outbreak to international transmission. 'With the virus spreading globally, imported cases have inevitably reached China,' Liu Qiyong, chief expert in vector-borne disease control at China CDC, told CGTN. 'Given the established presence of local transmission vectors, particularly Aedes mosquitoes, these imported infections have fuelled sustained local transmission cycles, leading to concentrated, small-scale outbreaks in affected regions.' The outbreak was initially concentrated in Shunde District, home to nearly 9 million residents, but quickly spread to nearby urban centres. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On August 4, Hong Kong — China's semi-autonomous international hub — reported its first imported case, a 12-year-old boy who had recently visited Foshan. The scale and speed of the outbreak have led the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a Level 2 travel alert for Foshan, advising travellers to take protective measures such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and avoiding outdoor exposure during peak mosquito activity times. Pregnant women are specifically advised not to travel to the affected region. How is China tackling the chikungunya outbreak? Faced with rising infections, authorities in Guangdong have introduced a stringent set of disease-control protocols, drawing heavily on the infrastructure and response mechanisms developed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Patients who test positive for chikungunya are being quarantined in mosquito-proof hospital beds until they test negative, a precautionary step aimed at stopping further mosquito-mediated transmission. The city of Foshan has expanded its mosquito-proof isolation bed capacity to more than 7,000, according to Xinhua, China's state-run media. Designated hospitals across the region are offering treatment, although there is no specific antiviral drug or cure for chikungunya — management largely consists of symptom relief and supportive care. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In affected neighbourhoods, local health workers are conducting door-to-door inspections, looking for stagnant water sources, which are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Residents are expected to comply, and failure to cooperate may result in fines or criminal penalties under public health laws. In one district in Guicheng, five households reportedly had their electricity cut off for obstructing inspection efforts, according to a neighbourhood committee notice cited by the New York Times. A government flyer translated by the same publication warned that obstructing vector-control measures could be prosecuted as a criminal offence under laws pertaining to the prevention of infectious diseases. Beyond traditional mosquito control efforts like spraying pesticides and using insecticides, authorities have also turned to more experimental and ecologically-based interventions. One such method involves releasing 'elephant mosquitoes' — a type of mosquito that does not bite humans but whose larvae prey on the larvae of disease-carrying Aedes mosquitoes. In some urban lakes and ponds, officials have introduced larvae-eating fish, hoping to reduce mosquito populations in standing water bodies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Drones have been deployed to identify mosquito breeding grounds in hard-to-access areas, and specialised teams have been dispatched to fog and disinfect entire neighbourhoods. These combined efforts aim to interrupt the mosquito life cycle at various stages — larvae, pupae, and adult — to reduce the probability of additional infections. Did climate change play a role? Southern China's humid subtropical climate, combined with high population density and global connectivity, makes it particularly vulnerable to imported mosquito-borne diseases. The increased volume of international travel — especially as countries reopened post-Covid — has elevated the risk of pathogens moving across borders. From 2010 to 2019, China recorded only sporadic imported cases of chikungunya, including localized clusters in Dongguan and Ruili. Unlike previous instances where the virus did not take hold in the domestic mosquito population, this time conditions seem to have favoured local transmission chains. The WHO has long warned of the expanding range of Aedes mosquitoes due to urbanisation and climate change. As temperatures rise and rainfall patterns shift, mosquito habitats are spreading into previously low-risk areas, making outbreaks like the one in Foshan more likely. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why is chikungunya a global problem? Chikungunya is a recurring problem in many parts of the world. Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines are among the countries where the CDC has identified an elevated risk of transmission. In 2006, India experienced a significant outbreak, recording nearly 1.3 million suspected infections, especially in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Around the same time, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Thailand also reported thousands of cases. The US has also seen a growing number of travel-related chikungunya cases. Between 2006 and 2013, up to 28 cases were detected annually. In 2014, that number jumped to nearly 3,000. While the figures declined in subsequent years — reaching a low of 36 in 2021 — they have been gradually rising again, with 199 cases reported in 2024 and 46 recorded so far in 2025. Local transmission was last documented in 2019, and the CDC considers the risk of widespread outbreaks in the US to be low, though not negligible. As of May this year, La Réunion, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, has reported over 47,500 chikungunya cases, with sustained transmission across the island. What is the cure to chikungunya? Two vaccines against chikungunya are currently approved for use in the United States: IXCHIQ , a live-attenuated vaccine for individuals aged 18 and older. VIMKUNYA, a virus-like particle-based vaccine for people aged 12 and above. However, these vaccines are not yet available in China. The country's health authorities continue to highlight preventive strategies such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and using physical barriers like mosquito nets, repellents, and protective clothing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While vaccination is advised for international travellers to outbreak-prone areas, including Foshan, it is not currently recommended for widespread use among the general population in China. The US CDC also advises that pregnant women postpone vaccination until after childbirth and consider postponing travel to high-risk regions altogether. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
A new virus is spreading in China, and it's more painful than Covid
The city of Foshan in southern China's Guangdong province has become the focal point of a chikungunya outbreak that has now infected more than 7,000 people. The virus, spread through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, has triggered alarm among health officials both locally and abroad. The outbreak has prompted China's National Health Commission to report 2,940 new cases in just one week, from 20 to 26 July. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has issued a Level 2 travel alert, urging visitors to exercise "increased caution" and to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Chikungunya outbreak: CDC flags concern, cites no treatment In its latest travel notice, the CDC confirmed the outbreak in Guangdong, noting that most cases are concentrated in Foshan. The agency described the virus as a mosquito-borne illness that causes "fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, rash, and joint swelling". Most symptoms appear three to seven days after a person is bitten. There is no treatment for chikungunya, the CDC added, although most people recover within a week. In some cases, especially in the elderly or those with conditions like heart disease and diabetes, joint pain can linger for months or years. "Death is rare," the CDC stated. The organisation also said: 'Vaccination is recommended for people who are visiting areas with outbreaks.' Two vaccines have been approved in the United States for use in adults and older children. Live Events China launches aggressive mosquito control With infections rising fast, local authorities in Guangdong have rolled out strict mosquito control and quarantine measures. In Foshan, patients diagnosed with chikungunya are required to remain in hospital wards fitted with mosquito nets. Discharge is only permitted after a negative test or completion of a week-long stay. Residents have been ordered to eliminate stagnant water in and around their homes. This includes flowerpots, coffee machines, and even discarded bottles. Fines of up to 10,000 yuan (roughly $1,400) have been announced for those who fail to comply. To further curb mosquito breeding, officials in Foshan recently released 5,000 larvae-eating fish into city lakes. Drones are being flown to detect hidden pools of water. In some areas, large non-biting "elephant mosquitoes" have been deployed to prey on the disease-carrying types. 'This is scary': Public worry grows online While all reported cases so far have been mild, and 95 percent of patients are discharged within seven days, the outbreak has stirred anxiety among the public. A user on the Chinese platform Weibo posted, "This is scary. The prolonged consequences sound very painful." Another user wrote, "These feel so familiar... But are they really necessary?" in reference to the strict quarantine policies. A third questioned, "What's the point of the quarantine? It's not as though an infected patient will then go around biting other people?" Some cities had even introduced 14-day home quarantine for people travelling from Foshan, though these restrictions have since been lifted. Weather adds pressure to health crisis The timing of the outbreak could hardly be worse. Southern China has just experienced some of the heaviest August rainfall since 1884. Torrential rain has battered the Pearl River Delta region, including Guangzhou and Hong Kong, flooding roads and paralysing airports. In Guangzhou alone, more than 360 flights were cancelled. Rescue teams were seen clearing mudslides, unblocking drains, and pumping out floodwater as roads turned into brown rivers. These conditions have heightened the risk of mosquito breeding. Provincial authorities warned that the next few weeks would be particularly difficult, saying that typhoons and stagnant water from flooding could worsen the outbreak. The extreme weather has already cost lives. At least five people died in Guangdong over the weekend as rivers rose to levels not seen since 2017. What is the Chikungunya virus? Chikungunya is not a new virus. First identified in Tanzania in 1952, it is now known to circulate across more than 110 countries, according to the World Health Organization . Its name comes from the Makonde language, meaning 'to become contorted', a reference to the hunched posture seen in patients with severe joint pain. Outbreaks are more common in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. In China, cases have typically been imported. Liu Qiyong, chief expert in vector-borne disease control at China's CDC, told CGTN, 'With the virus spreading globally, imported cases have inevitably reached China.' The World Health Organization also warned: "The best way to prevent the virus from spreading is to reduce pools of stagnant water that allow the mosquitoes to breed." Hong Kong confirms first Chikungunya case linked to Foshan On Monday, Hong Kong reported its first confirmed case of chikungunya. The patient, a 12-year-old boy, had developed fever, rash, and joint pain after visiting Foshan in July. Officials stressed that the virus is not spread between people and only infects someone through a mosquito bite. Chikungunya outbreak: What are the symptoms? Chikungunya symptoms closely resemble those of dengue and Zika, making diagnosis tricky without testing. The World Health Organization said the illness usually begins with 'abrupt onset of fever, frequently accompanied by severe joint pain.' Other symptoms can include rash, muscle aches, fatigue, and joint swelling. Although the infection is rarely fatal, joint pain can persist for weeks or longer in vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. According to a study published in Nature earlier this year, around 35.3 million people are infected by chikungunya annually across 180 countries. The virus causes an estimated 3,700 deaths each year, which is roughly 0.01 percent of total cases. As of now, global health agencies are not treating the situation in Guangdong as an international emergency. However, the CDC has urged all travellers to affected areas to 'practise enhanced mosquito precautions' and, where available, consider vaccination. With two to three typhoons forecast to strike China this August, the window for mosquito control could narrow further. Public health officials say early action, public cooperation, and mosquito management will be crucial in preventing a wider health crisis.
Time of India
15 hours 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.
