(Photo from Xinhua)
(File photo)
A sharp rise in chikungunya cases across Guangdong Province, with nearly 3,000 infections reported in a single week, has health authorities urging travelers to take precautions as the Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays approach.
A significant outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease, has swept through Guangdong Province, with health officials reporting 3,153 new locally transmitted cases between September 21 and 27.
The majority of infections are concentrated in Jiangmen, which recorded 2,927 cases, followed by smaller numbers in cities such as Foshan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai.
Other areas, including Dongguan, Qingyuan, Zhanjiang, and several other cities, reported fewer cases. No severe cases or deaths have been reported so far.
In response to the outbreak, Jiangmen has activated a Level III public health emergency response, mobilizing efforts to control the spread of the virus.
While the rapid rise in cases has been partially contained, the situation remains volatile, with the virus still circulating at high levels.
With the Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays approaching, health experts are warning of an increased risk of transmission due to greater population movement and outdoor activities, which heighten exposure to mosquito bites.
Authorities are advising the public to take preventive measures, particularly when traveling.
Wearing light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and applying mosquito repellent to exposed skin are recommended to reduce the risk of bites.
People are also urged to avoid high-risk areas where the virus is prevalent.
Those experiencing symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or rashes should seek medical attention promptly and refrain from traveling until a diagnosis is confirmed.
Special precautions are advised for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and young children.
Experts suggest prioritizing physical barriers, like mosquito nets, over chemical repellents, and using only low-irritation, high-safety products when necessary.
Even after returning from holiday travel, individuals who visited affected areas within the past 12 days should monitor their health closely.
Anyone developing a fever, especially accompanied by joint pain or a rash, should seek immediate medical care and inform doctors of their travel history and any mosquito bites to prevent the virus from spreading to other regions.
