Drones, fines and elephant mosquitoes: How China is fighting the chikungunya virus outbreak after nearly 8,000 cases
Inside the battle against surging mosquito-borne virus
- Chinese authorities are implementing strict pandemic-era measures to control a chikungunya fever outbreak, with nearly 8,000 cases reported in less than a month, primarily in Foshan, Guangdong province.
- The measures include mandatory quarantine for patients, widespread insecticide spraying, drone deployment, and the release of larva-eating fish, alongside orders for residents to eliminate stagnant water.
- Non-compliance with these regulations can result in significant fines or criminal charges, with some residents reporting forced entry into homes and destruction of property.
- The stringent approach has drawn criticism on social media, with users questioning the necessity of such severe restrictions for a mosquito-borne illness.
- While new cases in Guangdong have shown a downward trend, authorities remain vigilant, especially with upcoming heavy rain and flooding expected to increase mosquito activity.