Chikungunya Outbreak in Guangdong, China in 2025: Epidemiological and Control Approaches

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arboviral disease transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus. It was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 and has since caused serious public health problems, particularly in hot, tropical regions. The disease typically manifests with high fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, rash, and fatigue. Although rarely fatal, it can lead to prolonged joint pain in many cases.

In the summer of 2025, the city of Foshan in Guangdong province witnessed the largest Chikungunya outbreak ever recorded in mainland China. The first cases began to emerge in July, with 7,000 to 8,000 cases reported in a short time, eventually surpassing 10,000. According to Oxford University’s César López‑Camacho, such a rapid and large-scale local spread was unprecedented, as the Chinese population had no prior immunity to the virus.

In the analysis of the first 1,634 cases in the Shunde district:

• Fever was reported in 86.8% of cases

• Joint pain in 81.4%

• Rash in 65.5%

• All three symptoms appeared simultaneously in 51.3% of cases

• The average age of patients was 44 years

• Most cases were mild and no deaths were reported

These findings suggest that the outbreak was largely mild but symptoms were widespread and significant.

The unusually high rainfall and temperatures during the summer of 2025 in Guangdong provided ideal conditions for Aedes mosquitoes to breed, accelerating the outbreak. Additionally, the lack of prior exposure to the virus in China highlighted the vulnerability of the population due to immunity gaps.

Chinese authorities adopted a multifaceted strategy to contain the outbreak:

• Chemical and biological methods: Spraying insecticides, using larvicides, and releasing mosquito-eating fish into ponds.

• Technological solutions: Using drones to detect and monitor breeding areas; releasing sterile Aedes populations to control mosquito numbers.

• Physical and social measures: Encouraging the public to eliminate standing water at home; imposing fines up to 10,000 Yuan for non-compliance; isolating patients, installing mosquito nets, and conducting quarantine and testing protocols.

Experts from the Science Media Centre likened these measures to those taken during the COVID‑19 pandemic, highlighting the severity of the situation.

So far, Chikungunya virus has not caused a major outbreak in Turkey. However, due to climate change and shifts in mosquito habitats, the risk may increase in the future. Notably, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus — species capable of transmitting the virus — have been detected along the Black Sea coast and in parts of the Marmara region.

Turkey’s strategic location — serving as a bridge between Asia, Africa, and Europe — increases the risk of viral entry through international travel and trade. During the summer, rising temperatures, high humidity, and standing water create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

Preventive Measures Turkey Can Take:

• Mosquito surveillance: Regular monitoring of areas where virus-carrying mosquitoes may appear.

• Early detection: Enhancing testing capabilities at airports, ports, and border crossings to identify potentially infected individuals.

• Public awareness: Educating doctors and the general public about the symptoms and preventive measures.

• Mosquito control: Implementing chemical spraying, natural control methods, and eliminating stagnant water sources.

This shows that while the current outbreak in China does not pose a direct threat to Turkey, proactive preparation is critical due to potential mosquito expansion and changing climate conditions.

The rapid spread of the virus in an immunologically naïve population underscores the importance of early and aggressive public health interventions. It also highlights increasing vulnerabilities and control challenges for vector-borne diseases exacerbated by climate change.

• Epidemiology: Between July and August 2025, 7,000–10,000 cases were reported in Guangdong, with Foshan as the epicenter.

• Clinical Course: Most cases were mild; however, persistent joint pain was observed in some patients.

• Control Strategy: A combination of chemical, biological, technological, social, and legal measures was effectively employed.

• Need for Further Research: In-depth studies of the virus’s molecular characteristics and vector behavior are essential for future preparedness.