ALERT: New Disease Outbreak in China — Over 7,000 Cases Reported, Symptoms and Risks Revealed

Chikungunya is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes

More than 7000 cases of chikungunya have been reported in China. Guangdong province in China is the worst-hit area, reporting the maximum number of cases. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) travel alert for all Americans travelling to China. The CDC has also recommended vaccination for travellers visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak.

For the unversed, chikungunya is a viral vector-borne disease. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. The virus doesn’t spread from person to person through close contact, however, blood transmission may be possible.

What are the symptoms of chikungunya?

Chikungunya is characterised by a sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain. The incubation period is typically 3-7 days.

• High fever
• Severe joint pain and swelling
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Rash