Chinese authorities have deployed drones to help control a mosquito-borne chikungunya virus outbreak that has infected over 7,000 people across multiple cities in southern Guangdong province. The virus has spread rapidly, particularly in the manufacturing hub of Foshan near Hong Kong.
Residents in affected areas are urged to use mosquito nets and disinfectant, and those who fail to remove standing water risk fines of up to 10,000 yuan (£1,050) and potential denial of electricity. Workers have been spraying insecticide in public spaces, including streets, residential areas, and construction sites.
Chikungunya is rarely fatal but causes symptoms such as fever, joint pain, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. The young, elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are most at risk. The outbreak has been exacerbated by heavy rains and high temperatures this year.
Authorities report that new cases appear to be declining slowly. Measures reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic include spraying disinfectant before entering office buildings. Patients in Foshan are now required to stay in hospital for at least one week, after a two-week home quarantine was scrapped because the virus does not spread between people.
US travellers have been warned to avoid Guangdong province, among other regions. Brazil and several Indian Ocean island nations have also been hit hard by the virus.
