China fights chikungunya virus with drones, fines and nets

China fights chikungunya virus with drones, fines and nets

In Taiwan, Chinese authorities have launched a comprehensive strategy to combat the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, which has already infected thousands of people. The use of nets, spraying of insecticides and even the use of drones are aimed at containing the spread of this disease.

Current situation in China

As of Wednesday, more than 7,000 cases of the virus had been reported, mostly in the southern Chinese manufacturing hub of Foshan, about 170 kilometers from Hong Kong is reported. The number of new cases appears to be gradually declining, authorities said.

The largest Chikungunya spread in China

According to Cesar Lopez-Camacho from the University of Oxford, this could be the largest chikungunya outbreak ever documented in China. The virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and can cause fever and joint pain. “What is particularly notable is that chikungunya has never previously been widespread in mainland China,” Lopez-Camacho noted. “This suggests that most people did not have prior immunity, which facilitated the rapid spread of the virus.”

Measures taken by the authorities

Chinese state television has shown workers spraying insecticides in urban streets, residential areas and construction sites to minimize the risk of infection. In some areas, spraying was carried out before entering office buildings. Unusually heavy rains and high temperatures have further exacerbated the situation in China, prompting drones to be used to find stagnant water where mosquitoes lay their eggs.

Penalties for negligence

To curb the spread of the virus, authorities have also announced plans to impose fines on people who fail to empty water from outdoor containers. Residents risk fines of up to 10,000 yuan (about $1,400) and loss of electricity.

USA travel advice

Because of the virus, the U.S. government has issued a travel advisory recommending Americans take special precautions when visiting Guangdong province, where Foshan is located, as well as Bolivia and some Indian Ocean island nations.

China's approach to fighting the virus

After the SARS outbreak in 2003, China took strict measures to combat the spread of viruses, including harsh tactics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients in Foshan are required to stay in hospital for at least a week and a two-week home quarantine was temporarily enforced, but this has been lifted because the disease cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Innovative approaches to combat it

Innovative methods are also reportedly being used to stop the spread of the chikungunya virus, including the use of fish that eat mosquito larvae and even larger mosquitoes that eat the insects that carry the virus. Official meetings and nationwide protocols show China is determined to eliminate the outbreak and avoid public and international criticism.