Following recent reports of locally transmitted Chikungunya cases in nearby Foshan, the city of Dongguan is taking swift action to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses, including Chikungunya and Dengue fever. Local authorities have launched an extensive mosquito eradication campaign across multiple towns such as Chang'an, Hongmei, Wangniudun, Shijie, Hengli, and Dongkeng.

What is Chikungunya？ 

Chikungunya is an acute viral disease caused by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and is primarily spread through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, those black-and-white striped mosquitoes commonly active during the day. These same mosquitoes are also known carriers of Dengue and Zika viruses.

After an incubation period of 3 to 7 days, symptoms begin suddenly and often severely:

High Fever ：Body temperature may spike to 39-40°C (102–104°F) or higher, often with chills and headaches. The fever typically lasts 3-5 days.

Severe Joint Pain：This is the most distinctive and debilitating symptom. Pain usually affects smaller joints, such as fingers, wrists, ankles, as well as the spine and knees. The pain can be so intense that patients have difficulty walking upright. 

In fact, "Chikungunya" comes from an African word meaning "to become contorted" or "bent over in pain."

Skin Rash ：More than half of patients develop rashes on the torso, limbs, palms, or soles. These may be accompanied by itching. 

Other symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, eye redness (conjunctivitis), and general weakness.