Beijing Issues Health Advisory for Chikungunya Fever Risk

The Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory due to recent imported cases of chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmitted through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes.

In Beijing, the primary mosquito species of concern is Aedes albopictus, also known as the tiger mosquito, capable of transmitting dengue and Zika viruses. These mosquitoes are active during the day, with peak biting hours between 6-8 am and 5-7 pm, breeding in small water bodies.

While the disease is common in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and parts of Africa, global travel has increased the risk of imported infections. Imported cases have been reported in China since 2010.

Local health authorities in Foshan, Guangdong province, reported 1,873 local cases following an imported case on July 8. An emergency response plan has been activated to prevent and control the spread.

Chikungunya fever symptoms include fever and joint pain, with severe cases affecting high-risk groups like infants and seniors. Preventive measures include avoiding mosquito bites, eliminating breeding sites, and using appropriate control methods.

According to the source: China Daily.