Archive · 24 Jul 2025
China Reports Biggest Chikungunya Outbreak in Nearly Two Decades
There's a big outbreak of a disease called chikungunya in a city in southern China.
This disease is spread by mosquitoes and causes fever and joint pain.
It's the largest outbreak of this disease in China in almost 20 years.
Because the world is getting warmer, mosquitoes can live in more places and spread diseases further.
The World Health Organization is worried about a surge in cases, especially in the Indian Ocean.
Scientists think it is happening because the climate allows mosquitoes to thrive, and people in these areas may not have immunity to the virus.
Foshan, China, has reported over 3,100 chikungunya cases this month, the largest outbreak in China in nearly two decades.
The outbreak is in Guangdong Province, a hot and humid area.
Chikungunya is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and causes fever and severe joint pain.
The WHO issued a call to action due to a surge in cases in the Indian Ocean.
Increased international travel and climate change contribute to the spread of the disease.
- Who
- More than 3,100 people in Foshan, China, have been infected.
- What
- A large outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus.
- When
- The outbreak has occurred this month.
- Where
- Foshan city, Guangdong Province, China.
- Why
- Likely due to favorable climatic conditions for mosquitoes and low population immunity.
Factors Contributing to Outbreak
Disease Spread Dynamics
Spread Factors
Factors Contributing to Outbreak
Climate change allows mosquito population blooms and facilitates wider spread.
Disease Spread Dynamics
Increased international travel contributes to the spread of the disease.
- City
- Foshan, China
- Province
- Guangdong
- Virus
- Chikungunya
- Symptoms
- Fever and severe joint pain
- Transmission
- Infected mosquitoes
- First Identified
- 1952 in Tanzania