Chikungunya virus: How bad is the China outbreak and could it spread to the UK?
Across China, the battle against the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus is an unsettling deja vu of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This time – alongside human intervention – a force of 'elephant mosquitos' is also being rolled out to prevent a repeat of an epidemic that swept the globe two decades ago.
So far, more than 7,000 people have been infected, a few weeks after the World Health Organization issued an urgent call for action.
Chikungunya, for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the 'tiger mosquito' which also transmits dengue, and Zika.
The virus is not spread from person-to-person and not through coughing, sneezing, or touching.
But spread can also happen through blood transfusions and the handling of infected blood in the laboratory.
It causes fever and severe joint pain among other severe symptoms. The name, derived from a Kimakonde language, means 'that which bends up,' reflecting the stooped posture of those suffering with joint pain.
While most recover within a week, some can develop chronic arthritis lasting months or even years. In some rare cases, Chikungunya can be fatal.
It was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 and later in Africa and Asia. Urban outbreaks were first recorded in Asia in the 1970s.
Since then, outbreaks have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Symptoms of the virus appear between four and eight days after a patient has been bitten by the infected mosquito.
Most symptoms are generally self-limiting and last for a couple of days.
People often suffer from a fever, which is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.
The joint pain is often debilitating and usually lasts for a few days but may be prolonged.
Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at WHO, told reporters in Geneva last month that an estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 nations at risk from the virus.
'We are seeing history repeating itself,' she added, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world.
The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius.
An estimated one-third of La Reunion's population has been infected, Rojas Alvarez said.
The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in Southeast Asia, including India.
In China, the city of Foshan city, in the central Guangdong Province, has been hit the hardest.
Another 12 cities in the Guangdong province have reported infections. Nearly 3,000 cases were reported in the last week alone.
Chikungunya poses a major threat to public health and Chinese authorities have been quick to introduce a plethora of measures.
Some of these include the clearing of stagnant water to prevent the spread of mosquitos and the installation of screens on doors and windows to stop the insects from entering homes. More Trending
Perhaps the most fascinating measure has been the introduction of the 'elephant mosquitoes' – whose larvae prey on the virus-carrying enemies.
The risk of chikungunya spreading in the UK is currently low, as there is no evidence of local transmission.
Outbreaks have occurred in in France and Italy, but these have been small.
After the rise in cases in La Réunion, the UK government confirmed that the presence of the mosquitoes in European countries, and importations from infected travellers returning from endemic countries, means that the likelihood of it spreading in mainland Europe is high.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
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Scottish Sun
24 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
From folding in half to swollen hands – the 8 signs of killer virus in China sparking global outbreak fears
The virus gets its name from a word meaning 'that which bends up' or 'doubled-up', in reference to the stooped posture of victims hunched over in pain VIRAL ALERT From folding in half to swollen hands – the 8 signs of killer virus in China sparking global outbreak fears Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HEALTH chiefs in China have reimposed strict, Covid-esque restrictions in a desperate bid to contain a virus that leaves victims disabled. More than 7,000 people have been struck down by the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus in China's biggest ever outbreak of the crippling disease, experts have warned. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 A worker sprays insecticide at a public housing estate following reports of imported cases of Chikungunya in Hong Kong, China Credit: Reuters 7 The majority of cases have been reported in Foshan, a city in southern Guangdong province. 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Although rare in China, chikungunya outbreaks are common across South and South East Asia and parts of Africa. What is Chikungunya The virus, which is spread by the Aedes mosquito - also known as the tiger mosquito, was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 and has since been reported in over 110 countries. Most people who get bitten by an infected bug will develop symptoms within three to seven days. Dr César López-Camacho, from the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford, said: "Although chikungunya rarely causes death, it can be extremely uncomfortable and disabling." Typical symptoms include: Excruciating joint pain, which can leave victims hunched or folded over in agony High fever Headache Muscle aches Nausea Fatigue Red, bumpy rash Swelling in the joints, particularly the hands and feet In severe cases, the joint pain can mimic arthritis, leaving sufferers temporarily disabled for months or even years. 7 Patient with joint deformities of the hands 6 years after confirmed chikungunya virus Credit: SehatHub 7 The virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito - also known as the tiger mosquito because of its stripy body Credit: Alamy The virus gets its name from a word meaning 'that which bends up' or 'doubled-up', in reference to the stooped posture of victims hunched over in pain. Most people recover within a week, but some may require hospital care, especially if complications like organ damage arise. The virus can attack vital organs including the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys, triggering dangerous inflammation and tissue damage. Its intense inflammatory response can also harm the lungs, skin, and joints, worsening symptoms and increasing the risk of serious complications. Those most at risk of severe illness include newborn babies, older adults, and people with underlying conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Is there a treatment or vaccine? There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, but medics can treat the symptoms by giving medicines to lower fevers or ease muscle pain. Two chikungunya vaccines have recently been approved for use in the UK - although one is under safety review for older people. Those are mostly targeted at travellers and are not widely available in the countries most affected by chikungunya. Once someone has recovered from chikungunya, there is evidence to suggest they have lifelong immunity. Unlike malaria-carrying mosquitoes, called Anopheles, tiger mozzies are most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Experts warn that the best way to prevent its spread is to eliminate pools of stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Brits travelling to China amidst the outbreak should "be cautious", Dr César added. He continued: "The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 travel alert, recommending travellers use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodation. "Travellers returning from affected areas who develop fever and joint pain should seek medical attention and mention their recent travel." People travelling to high-risk areas where outbreaks of the virus often occur can get vaccinated against chikungunya at a travel clinic. 7 Insecticide being sprayed outside a Foshan hospital Credit: Getty 7 It is China's biggest outbreak of the disease Credit: Getty Is chikungunya in Europe? The WHO warned last month that chikungunya could soon affect billions across the globe - as it tears through parts of the Indian Ocean and edges closer to Europe. The health watchdog said it was seeing the same warning signs as in the last major outbreak two decades ago, when nearly half a million were infected worldwide. Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO's technical lead on the virus, said the bug is now spreading from Indian Ocean islands into Africa, Asia and Europe, and urged countries to act now to avoid billions falling ill. "We are seeing history repeating itself," she explained "Chikungunya is not a disease that is widely known, but it has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries globally, putting 5.6 billion people at risk," Dr Diana said. In Europe, officials are especially concerned about a spike in imported cases, and signs of the virus being transmitted locally. Since May 1, there have been around 800 imported chikungunya cases in mainland France, Dr Diana revealed. Even more worrying, there have been 12 local transmission episodes in several regions of southern France - meaning people were infected by mosquitoes in Europe, not while travelling. A case has also been detected in Italy, while the WHO says suspected cases have cropped up in other parts of the continent. Last year, Europe saw a sharp surge in mosquito-borne diseases - including dengue, West Nile, and malaria - with some infections doubling in just 12 months. In places where people have little or no immunity, up to three-quarters of the population can become infected, the WHO warned. "The case fatality rate is less than one per cent, but when you start counting millions of cases, that one per cent can be thousands," Dr Diana said. 7 The WHO warned chikungunya could soon affect billions across the globe Credit: Getty How concerning is this outbreak? 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'It is also important that genetic sequencing of the virus in this outbreak is carried out. "In past outbreaks, mutations have helped chikungunya adapt to new mosquito species. "If the virus has changed, we need to ensure current vaccines still offer protection." Brits travelling to China amidst the outbreak should "be cautious", the disease expert said. He continued: "The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 travel alert, recommending travellers use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodation. "Travellers returning from affected areas who develop fever and joint pain should seek medical attention and mention their recent travel." People travelling to high-risk areas where outbreaks of the virus often occur can get vaccinated against chikungunya at a travel clinic. But Prof Solomon noted: "There have been reports of serious side effects in people over the age of 65. 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The Sun
33 minutes ago
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HEALTH chiefs in China have reimposed strict, Covid-esque restrictions in a desperate bid to contain a virus that leaves victims disabled. More than 7,000 people have been struck down by the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus in China's biggest ever outbreak of the crippling disease, experts have warned. 7 7 The majority of cases have been reported in Foshan, a city in southern Guangdong province. It is here where officials have rolled out Covid-style crackdowns in a bid to stop the virus from spiralling out of control. At least 12 other cities in the southern Guangdong province have also reported infections. On Monday, Hong Kong reported its first case - a 12-year-old boy who developed symptoms after travelling to Foshan in July. Although the disease is rarely fatal, it can cause excruciating joint pain, fever, rashes and swelling, especially in the hands and feet. In response, authorities in Foshan have launched emergency mosquito control operations, including mass insecticide spraying, public health alerts, and door-to-door inspections. Those with chikungunya must stay in hospital, where their beds will protected with mosquito nets. They can only be discharged after they test negative or at the end of a week-long stay. Here is what you need to know about the disease. What is chikungunya and what are the symptoms? Although rare in China, chikungunya outbreaks are common across South and South East Asia and parts of Africa. What is Chikungunya The virus, which is spread by the Aedes mosquito - also known as the tiger mosquito, was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 and has since been reported in over 110 countries. Most people who get bitten by an infected bug will develop symptoms within three to seven days. Dr César López-Camacho, from the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford, said: "Although chikungunya rarely causes death, it can be extremely uncomfortable and disabling." Typical symptoms include: Excruciating joint pain High fever Headache Muscle aches Nausea Fatigue Red, bumpy rash Swelling in the joints, particularly the hands and feet In severe cases, the joint pain can mimic arthritis, leaving sufferers temporarily disabled for months or even years. 7 7 The virus gets its name from a word meaning 'that which bends up' or 'doubled-up', in reference to the stooped posture of patients hunched over in pain. Most people recover within a week, but some may require hospital care, especially if complications like organ damage arise. The virus can attack vital organs including the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys, triggering dangerous inflammation and tissue damage. Its intense inflammatory response can also harm the lungs, skin, and joints, worsening symptoms and increasing the risk of serious complications. Those most at risk of severe illness include newborn babies, older adults, and people with underlying conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Is there a treatment or vaccine? There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, but medics can treat the symptoms by giving medicines to lower fevers or ease muscle pain. Two chikungunya vaccines have recently been approved for use in the UK - although one is under safety review for older people. Those are mostly targeted at travellers and are not widely available in the countries most affected by chikungunya. Once someone has recovered from chikungunya, there is evidence to suggest they have lifelong immunity. Unlike malaria-carrying mosquitoes, called Anopheles, tiger mozzies are most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Experts warn that the best way to prevent its spread is to eliminate pools of stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Brits travelling to China amidst the outbreak should "be cautious", Dr César added. He continued: "The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 travel alert, recommending travellers use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodation. "Travellers returning from affected areas who develop fever and joint pain should seek medical attention and mention their recent travel." People travelling to high-risk areas where outbreaks of the virus often occur can get vaccinated against chikungunya at a travel clinic. 7 7 Is chikungunya in Europe? The WHO warned last month that chikungunya could soon affect billions across the globe - as it tears through parts of the Indian Ocean and edges closer to Europe. The health watchdog said it was seeing the same warning signs as in the last major outbreak two decades ago, when nearly half a million were infected worldwide. Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO's technical lead on the virus, said the bug is now spreading from Indian Ocean islands into Africa, Asia and Europe, and urged countries to act now to avoid billions falling ill. "We are seeing history repeating itself," she explained "Chikungunya is not a disease that is widely known, but it has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries globally, putting 5.6 billion people at risk," Dr Diana said. In Europe, officials are especially concerned about a spike in imported cases, and signs of the virus being transmitted locally. Since May 1, there have been around 800 imported chikungunya cases in mainland France, Dr Diana revealed. Even more worrying, there have been 12 local transmission episodes in several regions of southern France - meaning people were infected by mosquitoes in Europe, not while travelling. A case has also been detected in Italy, while the WHO says suspected cases have cropped up in other parts of the continent. Last year, Europe saw a sharp surge in mosquito-borne diseases - including dengue, West Nile, and malaria - with some infections doubling in just 12 months. In places where people have little or no immunity, up to three-quarters of the population can become infected, the WHO warned. "The case fatality rate is less than one per cent, but when you start counting millions of cases, that one per cent can be thousands," Dr Diana said. How concerning is this outbreak? 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'It is also important that genetic sequencing of the virus in this outbreak is carried out. "In past outbreaks, mutations have helped chikungunya adapt to new mosquito species. "If the virus has changed, we need to ensure current vaccines still offer protection." Brits travelling to China amidst the outbreak should "be cautious", the disease expert said. He continued: "The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 travel alert, recommending travellers use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodation. "Travellers returning from affected areas who develop fever and joint pain should seek medical attention and mention their recent travel." People travelling to high-risk areas where outbreaks of the virus often occur can get vaccinated against chikungunya at a travel clinic. But Prof Solomon noted: "There have been reports of serious side effects in people over the age of 65. "As such, the vaccine is currently recommended for travellers under 65 visiting high-risk areas."
STV News
4 hours ago
- STV News
More than half of Scots experience side-effects from medication, survey finds
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