China’s health authorities outline measured response to Chikungunya Virus
Health authorities are mobilizing to combat an outbreak of Chikungunya Virus in Guangdong province, where cases have topped 5,000.
- On Tuesday, the National Health Commission (NHC) held a videoconference with local health authorities nationwide, calling for strengthened virus monitoring and detection, stricter mosquito controls, and ensuring hospitals are well-equipped.
- China’s public health agency (CDC) also released a Q&A on Chikungunya, which is being published across state media (China Daily).
Folks are understandably skittish about the disease itself, and about the risk of an overzealous response.
Here's why we're not freaking out.
First, Chikungunya Virus only spreads via infected mosquitoes.
- That slows the spread of the disease and means authorities will focus on killing mosquitos, rather than constraining people's movements.
Second, Chikungunya isn't new – and it's well understood.
- The virus was detected almost 75 years ago and has since popped up in 119 countries.
- Guangdong had its first local outbreak in 2008.
Get smart: If your company operates facilities in Guangdong, now's a great time to make sure you've got a mosquito control strategy in place.
- And if you're planning to travel to the Greater Bay Area, there's no need to cancel – just pack your bug spray.
Get smarter: Last week, the WHO flagged outbreaks in Réunion, Mauritius, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia, and hundreds of cases in Europe (Reuters).
- The wider spread of mosquito-borne diseases due to climate change and globalization is ultimately a common challenge.