Recently, Macao reported its first imported case of chikungunya this year. As of July 23, Foshan city has recorded a total of 3,645 cases of chikungunya, all classified as mild. The World Health Organization has issued a warning about the disease.
The three most common symptoms of Chikungunya are fever, rash, and joint pain. If you experience any related symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly.
Chikungunya is primarily transmitted through the bites of Aedes mosquitoes and does not spread directly from person to person. Health authorities have issued a prevention advisory:
1. Eliminate standing water
Regularly check and empty any containers that can hold water, such as pots and pans turned upside down.
For indoor potted plants, change the water every 3 to 5 days.
Cover water storage containers to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
2. Exterminate adult mosquitoes
Use commercially available insecticides with certified numbers, such as insecticide aerosols, mosquito coils, and mosquito-killing tablets, to eliminate mosquitoes.
3. Ensure personal protection
Indoor defense: Install fine-mesh screens (≤0.9mm aperture) on doors and windows. Use bed nets while sleeping.
Outdoor precautions: Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing. Avoid shaded areas during peak mosquito activity (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM). Apply DEET-based repellents to exposed skin and clothing.
4. Travel safety protocols
Pre-departure: Research the disease status of your destination.
Post-return: Monitor your health for 14 days; seek immediate medical attention for fever, joint pain, or rashes while disclosing your travel history.
5. Prompt medical attention
Residents experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, severe joint or muscle pain, or skin rashes, particularly those who have recently traveled to endemic areas or have confirmed mosquito bites, should seek professional evaluation immediately.
Reporter | Dai Bosi, Chen Jinxia
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Hu Nan, James, Shen He
