Chikungunya virus symptoms, spread and what to know as 7,000 infected in China
The chikungunya virus, which causes fever, joint pain, headaches and muscle aches, is spreading rapidly across Guangdong province, just north of Hong Kong.
Chikungunya is typically uncommon in China, but infections soared after an imported case was detected in Foshan city on July 8, which has since become the worst-affected area, reports New York Times.
In Foshan city patients diagnosed with chikungunya are required to remain in hospital under mosquito net protection and can only be discharged after testing negative or completing a mandatory week-long stay, according to a translation of Chinese news outlet NF News.
Authorities in Guangdong are doing door-to-door inspections checking for stagnant water - where mosquitos breed - and warning that those who fail to comply can be fined or face criminal charges for "obstructing the prevention of infectious diseases", as outlined in a government flyer translated by the Times. A drone sprays insecticide on August 1, 2025 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China (Image: China News Service via Getty Images)
Other measures include releasing mosquito-eating fish into ponds, spraying pesticides, deploying drones to spot breeding sites and even introducing giant "elephant mosquitoes" whose larvae devour the virus-carrying kind.
While the current outbreak is centred in Asia, Ireland has recorded a travel-related case of the virus in the past. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the most recent known Irish case was in 2016, involving a person who had recently returned from Kenya.
Chikungunya is classed as a notifiable disease in Ireland - meaning health officials must report suspected cases to authorities. While it cannot be transmitted person-to-person, the virus can be passed to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which are usually found in the warmer parts of the world, especially Asia, the US and the Mediterranean Basin. What is Chikungunya?
The HPSC said: "Chikungunya is a viral infection caused by the Chikungunya virus, an Alphavirus and member of the Togaviridae family. Chikungunya fever is a notifiable disease in Ireland." What are the symptoms ?
The HPSC said: "The time between being bitten by an infected mosquito and developing symptoms ranges from 1 to 12 days, with an average of three to seven days.
"The main symptoms are fever, joint pain, muscle pain and headache. Joint pains are a characteristic symptom. Bleeding from the nose or gums may happen, particularly in children.
"While most cases recover without complications, some people may develop a more chronic phase with persistent joint pains. Recovery may take several weeks for these patients, coinciding with extreme tiredness. Younger people tend to recover in a matter of a one or two weeks while middle-aged and elderly tend to take one to three months for full recovery." How is it spread?
The HPSC said: "Chikungunya fever is transmitted to humans by biting Aedes mosquitoes, such as A. aegypti, A. albopictus and A. polynesiensis. These are tropical and subtropical mosquitoes found in the warmer parts of the world, especially Asia, the United States and the Mediterranean Basin. " Where does it occur?
The HPSC said: "Chikungunya is commonly found in East Africa, Southeast Asia and in the Indian sub-continent. In summer 2007, an outbreak was reported in the Emilia-Romagna region of North-East Italy, and this region is now considered an area where Chikungunya virus transmission takes place. The most recent cases of Chikungunya in Italy have occurred between June and October 2017 in Rome, the coastal region of Anzio and Latina.
"One case of chikungunya was reported in Ireland during 2016, with a recent travel history to Kenya." What do I need to do if I visit an area with Chikungunya?
The HPSC said: "Travellers to affected areas are advised to prevent mosquito bites. Pregnant women, immunosuppressed people and people suffering from a severe chronic illness should consult their physicians prior to the travel in order to assess their risk and get recommendations on personal preventive measures.
"All travellers to countries where Chikungunya occurs should take the following steps to prevent mosquito bites: Use of anti-mosquito devices (insecticide-treated bed nets, spray, repellents)
Mosquito repellent based on a 30% DEET concentration is recommended. Pregnant women and children under the age of 12 years should consult a physician or pharmacist before use.
For newborn children under three months, repellents are not recommended and insecticide-treated bed nets and protective clothing should be used instead.
Wear long sleeves and trousers."
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