Latest news with #CésarLópez-Camacho
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Irish 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 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. Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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). Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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," Dr Diana 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," she said. In Europe, officials are especially concerned about a spike in imported cases, and signs of the virus being transmitted locally. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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? Though tactics adopted by authorities in China hark back to lockdown measures five years ago, chikungunya "does not pose the same level of pandemic threat as a virus like Covid-19", according to Prof Tom Solomon, director of The Pandemic Institute in Liverpool. Dr César López-Camacho, from the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford, added: 'It is extremely unlikely to cause a pandemic in the traditional sense, as chikungunya does not spread from person to person. "However, it can cause large regional outbreaks, especially when introduced to mosquito-rich, low-immunity settings, like what we are probably seeing in China." The risk to the UK from this outbreak is "currently low" as Aedes mosquitoes, which tend to carry the virus, aren't widespread here. "But we do need to watch closely, as climate change and global travel are expanding the range of these mosquitoes, and with it, the viruses they carry," Dr López-Camacho warned. '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."
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- 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. 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, 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? Though tactics adopted by authorities in China hark back to lockdown measures five years ago, chikungunya "does not pose the same level of pandemic threat as a virus like Covid-19", according to Prof Tom Solomon, director of The Pandemic Institute in Liverpool. Dr César López-Camacho, from the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford, added: 'It is extremely unlikely to cause a pandemic in the traditional sense, as chikungunya does not spread from person to person. "However, it can cause large regional outbreaks, especially when introduced to mosquito-rich, low-immunity settings, like what we are probably seeing in China." The risk to the UK from this outbreak is "currently low" as Aedes mosquitoes, which tend to carry the virus, aren't widespread here. "But we do need to watch closely, as climate change and global travel are expanding the range of these mosquitoes, and with it, the viruses they carry," Dr López-Camacho warned. '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."
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Health
- Boston Globe
Chikungunya spreads in southern China
Chikungunya is a disease caused by a virus of the same name. The chikungunya virus was first identified in people sickened during an outbreak in Tanzania in 1952. Its name is derived from a word in the Makonde language, which means 'that which bends up,' due to the severe pain it can cause. Chikungunya is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and mostly causes mild symptoms. The majority of people who get chikungunya recover without needing medical attention after one to two weeks. Advertisement What are the symptoms of chikungunya? Chikungunya typically produces symptoms including fever, muscle pain, nausea, fatigue, and a rash. But in rare cases, it can cause debilitating joint pain that persists for months or even years. Patients who get severely ill often require hospitalization because of the risk of organ damage. The World Health Organization says severe cases and deaths are rare and mostly occur in babies or elderly people with underlying health conditions. Is there a treatment or vaccine? There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, but health workers can treat the symptoms by giving medicines to lower fevers or ease muscle pain. Two vaccines have been approved in several regions, including Britain, Brazil, Canada, and Europe. Those are mostly targeted at travelers and are not widely available in the countries most affected by chikungunya. Where does chikungunya normally occur? Chikungunya causes regular outbreaks in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with occasional small epidemics in Europe. Advertisement As of July, there have been about 240,000 cases of chikungunya, including 90 deaths in 16 countries, according to the European Centres for Disease Prevention and Control. The countries that reported the highest number of infections were Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru. What's happening in China? With thousands of confirmed cases, this appears to be the biggest chikungunya outbreak ever documented in China, according to César López-Camacho of the University of Oxford. 'What makes this event notable is that chikungunya has never been established in mainland China before,' he said in a statement. 'This suggests that most of the population had no preexisting immunity, making it easier for the virus to spread quickly.' In response to the outbreak in Foshan, near Hong Kong, Chinese authorities have begun taking measures like distributing mosquito nets, having workers spray residential areas, streets, and construction sites with insecticide. People who do not empty bottles, flower pots, or other outdoor receptacles, where water might accumulate and allow mosquitoes to breed, can be subject to fines of up to 10,000 yuan ($1,400) and have their electricity cut off. Unusually heavy rains and high temperatures this year have worsened the crisis in China. Are we seeing more chikungunya outbreaks? Yes. The number of outbreaks has increased since 2000, just as there have been more outbreaks of other mosquito-transmitted diseases like dengue and Zika, according to Robert Jones, an assistant professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Jones said in a statement that in 2013, chikungunya was first seen in the island of St. Martin and that over the next three years, cases were confirmed in almost 50 countries in the Caribbean and the Americas, with more than one million suspected cases. Advertisement Jones said the risks of chikungunya epidemics have risen due to climate change and urban expansion, warning that the current outbreak could spread to other parts of southern China with humid climates and dense cities.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Patients ‘isolated' and Covid-like alerts issued as surge of ‘disabling' virus in China sparks global outbreak fears
The virus can be 'extremely uncomfortable and disabling', with babies and older adults most at risk DEJA FLU? Patients 'isolated' and Covid-like alerts issued as surge of 'disabling' virus in China sparks global outbreak fears CHINESE officials have imposed Covid-like measures in parts of the country in an effort to curb surging cases of a "disabling" virus. More than 7,000 people have fallen ill with the mosquito-borne chickungunya virus, the largest outbreak of its kind ever to be documented in China, according to experts. Advertisement 6 An outbreak of chikungunya in China has sparked alarm, with authorities rushing to curb the virus Credit: Getty 6 Insecticide is being sprayed across cities like Foshan, where most cases have been reported Credit: Getty 6 Chikungunya is spread by infected mosquitoes Credit: Getty The virus's rapid spread is sparking fears of a global outbreak, with cases expected to continue increasing in the next few weeks. Most cases have been reported in the city of Foshan, in the southern province of Guangdong, with the authorities tackling the rise in cases with methods employed during the Covid pandemic. Infected patients are being kept in hospital for a minimum of one week. Authorities briefly enforced a two-week home quarantine, which was dropped since the disease is spread by mosquitoes and can't be transmitted between people. Advertisement Meanwhile, people who do not empty bottles, flower pots or other receptacles with standing water - which can attract mozzies - have been slapped with fines of up to 10,000 yuan (around £1,043) and have their electricity cut off. No deaths from the virus have been reported but at least 12 other cities in Guangdong have reported infections. At least 3,000 cases were detected over the past week, bringing the total to over 10,000 in the country. It comes after the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned last month that chickungunya could soon affect billions across the globe - as it tears through parts of the Indian Ocean and edges closer to Europe. Advertisement 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. "We are seeing history repeating itself," said Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO's technical lead on the virus. Chikungunya is spread by infected mosquitoes and causes symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, fatigue, rash, and headaches. Most people recover in a couple of weeks, but some people - especially older adults - may suffer from long-lasting arthritis-like joint pain. Advertisement 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. "The most vulnerable include the elderly, newborns, and people with underlying health conditions." 6 Drones are being sent out to hunt down insect breeding grounds Credit: Getty 6 A worker sprays insecticide in Foshan, Guangdong Province of China Credit: Getty Advertisement 6 Patient with joint deformities of the hands 6 years after confirmed chikungunya virus Chinese health authorities say cases are dropping off slowly, but Dr López-Camacho warned it is likely that chickunguya infections will continue to be reported for the next few weeks. He described the situation as a "significant outbreak". "With over 7,000 confirmed cases reported in Guangdong Province, this is the largest chikungunya outbreak ever documented in China," he added. Advertisement "Until now, the country had only recorded a few imported cases, with no sustained local transmission. Chikungunya: Signs and symptoms Chikungunya is a disease caused by the chikungunya virus, which spreads to humans through infected mosquitoes. Major outbreaks and scattered cases have been reported across the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Now, with smaller flare-ups starting to appear in Europe, it's important to be aware of the symptoms. Not everyone infected with chikungunya will show symptoms, but for those who do, symptoms typically begin 4 to 8 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and include: Sudden onset of high fever Severe joint pain (often debilitating) Joint swelling, especially in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet Muscle pain Headache Nausea Fatigue Rash Most patients recover fully from chikungunya infection, although occasional cases can involve serious complications affecting the eyes, heart, or nervous system. Some can also be left with deformities. Newborns infected either during delivery or by mosquito bites shortly after birth, and older adults with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of severe disease. In such cases, hospitalisation may be necessary due to the risk of organ damage and even death. 'What makes this event notable is that chikungunya has never been established in mainland China before. "This suggests that most of the population had no pre-existing immunity, making it easier for the virus to spread quickly." Outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases tend to happen "in populations that are 'naive' to the virus, meaning people have not been previously exposed and are not protected", said Dr López-Camacho. Advertisement Authorities in China have deployed a series of preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus, spraying clouds of disinfectant around city streets, residential areas, construction sites and even sending out drones to hunt down insect breeding grounds. Heavy rains and high temperatures have worsened the situation in China. Chikungunya causes regular outbreaks in Africa, Asia and the Americas, and has also been spotted in Europe. As of July, there have been about 240,000 cases of chikungunya, including 90 deaths in 16 countries, according to the European Centres for Disease Prevention and Control. Advertisement The countries that reported the highest number of infections were Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Peru. How concerning is this outbreak? Though tactics adopted by authorities in China hark back to lockdown measures five years ago, chikungunya "does not pose the same level of pandemic threat as a virus like COVID-19", according to Prof Tom Solomon, director of The Pandemic Institute in Liverpool. Dr López-Camacho added: 'It is extremely unlikely to cause a pandemic in the traditional sense, as chikungunya does not spread from person to person. "However, it can cause large regional outbreaks, especially when introduced to mosquito-rich, low-immunity settings, like what we are probably seeing in China." Advertisement The risk to the UK from this outbreak is "currently low" as Aedes mosquitoes, which tend to carry the virus, aren't widespread here. "But we do need to watch closely, as climate change and global travel are expanding the range of these mosquitoes, and with it, the viruses they carry," Dr López-Camacho warned. '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. Advertisement "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." Advertisement 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."
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Patients ‘isolated' and Covid-like alerts issued as surge of ‘disabling' virus in China sparks global outbreak fears
The virus can be 'extremely uncomfortable and disabling', with babies and older adults most at risk DEJA FLU? Patients 'isolated' and Covid-like alerts issued as surge of 'disabling' virus in China sparks global outbreak fears Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHINESE officials have imposed Covid-like measures in parts of the country in an effort to curb surging cases of a "disabling" virus. More than 7,000 people have fallen ill with the mosquito-borne chickungunya virus, the largest outbreak of its kind ever to be documented in China, according to experts. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 An outbreak of chikungunya in China has sparked alarm, with authorities rushing to curb the virus Credit: Getty 6 Insecticide is being sprayed across cities like Foshan, where most cases have been spotted Credit: Getty 6 Chikungunya is spread by infected mosquitoes Credit: Getty The virus's rapid spread is sparking fears of a global outbreak, with cases expected to continue increasing in the next few weeks. Most cases have been reported in the city of Foshan, in the southern province of Guangdong, with the authorities tackling the rise in cases with methods employed during the Covid pandemic. Infected patients are being kept in hospital for a minimum of one week. Authorities briefly enforced a two-week home quarantine, which was dropped since the disease is spread by mosquitoes and can't be transmitted between people. Meanwhile, people who do not empty bottles, flower pots or other receptacles with standing water - which can attract mozzies - have been slapped with fines of up to 10,000 yuan ($1,400) and have their electricity cut off. No deaths from the virus have been reported but at least 12 other cities in Guangdong have reported infections. At least 3,000 cases were detected over the past week, bringing the total to over 10,000 in the country. It comes after the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned last month that chickungunya 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. "We are seeing history repeating itself," said Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO's technical lead on the virus. Chikungunya is spread by infected mosquitoes and causes symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, fatigue, rash, and headaches. Most people recover in a couple of weeks, but some people - especially older adults - may suffer from long-lasting arthritis-like joint pain. 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. "The most vulnerable include the elderly, newborns, and people with underlying health conditions." 6 Drones are being sent out to hunt down insect breeding grounds Credit: Getty 6 A worker sprays insecticide in Foshan, Guangdong Province of China Credit: Getty 6 Patient with joint deformities of the hands 6 years after confirmed chikungunya virus Chinese health authorities say cases are dropping off slowly, but Dr López-Camacho warned it is likely that chickunguya infections will continue to be reported for the next few weeks. He described the situation as a "significant outbreak". "With over 7,000 confirmed cases reported in Guangdong Province, this is the largest chikungunya outbreak ever documented in China. "Until now, the country had only recorded a few imported cases, with no sustained local transmission. Chikungunya: Signs and symptoms Chikungunya is a disease caused by the chikungunya virus, which spreads to humans through infected mosquitoes. Major outbreaks and scattered cases have been reported across the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Now, with smaller flare-ups starting to appear in Europe, it's important to be aware of the symptoms. Not everyone infected with chikungunya will show symptoms, but for those who do, symptoms typically begin 4 to 8 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and include: Sudden onset of high fever Severe joint pain (often debilitating) Joint swelling, especially in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet Muscle pain Headache Nausea Fatigue Rash Most patients recover fully from chikungunya infection, although occasional cases can involve serious complications affecting the eyes, heart, or nervous system. Some can also be left with deformities. Newborns infected either during delivery or by mosquito bites shortly after birth, and older adults with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of severe disease. In such cases, hospitalisation may be necessary due to the risk of organ damage and even death. 'What makes this event notable is that chikungunya has never been established in mainland China before. "This suggests that most of the population had no pre-existing immunity, making it easier for the virus to spread quickly." Outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases tend to happen "in populations that are 'naive' to the virus, meaning people have not been previously exposed and are not protected", Dr López-Camacho. Authorities in China have deployed a series of preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus, spraying clouds of disinfectant around city streets, residential areas, construction sites and even sending out drones to hunt down insect breeding grounds. Heavy rains and high temperatures have worsened the situation in China. Chikungunya causes regular outbreaks in Africa, Asia and the Americas, and has also been spotted in Europe. As of July, there have been about 240,000 cases of chikungunya, including 90 deaths in 16 countries, according to the European Centres for Disease Prevention and Control. The countries that reported the highest number of infections were Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Peru. How concerning is this outbreak? Though tactics adopted by authorities in China hark back to lockdown measures five years ago, chikungunya "does not pose the same level of pandemic threat as a virus like COVID-19", according to Prof Tom Solomon, director of The Pandemic Institute in Liverpool. Dr López-Camacho added: 'It is extremely unlikely to cause a pandemic in the traditional sense, as chikungunya does not spread from person to person. "However, it can cause large regional outbreaks, especially when introduced to mosquito-rich, low-immunity settings, like what we are probably seeing in China." The risk to the UK from this outbreak is "currently low" as Aedes mosquitoes, which tend to carry the virus, aren't widespread here. "But we do need to watch closely, as climate change and global travel are expanding the range of these mosquitoes, and with it, the viruses they carry," Dr López-Camacho warned. '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. "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."
