Fears of a fresh pandemic have risen as China battles
its largest ever outbreak of Chikungunya virus — despite Covid-like quarantine being imposed in affected areas. More than 10,000 cases
have been reported in the country, with infections also reported in Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well as in Europe and travel-acquired cases in the US. Another 1,387 cases of the
mosquito-borne bug were confirmed last week, with almost all in the southern manufacturing city of Foshan, Chinese authorities said. Horror pictures issued by the local government in Foshan city have shown the effect of the virus. It triggers fevers and severe joint pain that can persist for years. The photos published in Chinese media show victims suffering blotchy red skin as rashes take over their whole body. Authorities are isolating patients in hospitals and they are only allowed to leave after a negative test or a week-long stay. They have also threatened fines for people who fail to disperse standing water in a bid to prevent the breeding of mosquitos.
Every household is also being urged to light mosquito coils, hang mosquito nets and install screens on windows to not let mosquitoes enter people's homes. And people are also advised to wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothes when going out and to spray mosquito repellent.
Chinese officials say there have been no cases of severe disease or death reported during the outbreak. But calls have been made for national action to "eliminate" mosquitos amid fears the virus is reaching "epidemic" levels.
