As cases of chikungunya and dengue fever continue to rise globally, Shenzhen health authorities are urging residents to step up mosquito control efforts to prevent potential outbreaks.

Aedes mosquitoes are the primary vectors of chikungunya and dengue fever.Photos from WeChat account "央视新闻"

The Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention warned this week that the city’s hot, humid climate creates ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes, the primary carriers of both diseases. Officials emphasized that proactive mosquito eradication — particularly in urban neighborhoods — is critical to reducing local transmission risks.

Chikungunya transmission has now been reported in 119 countries and regions globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning Tuesday, cautioning that a major chikungunya epidemic could sweep the globe unless urgent preventive measures are taken.

A mosquito bite leaves a red bump.

Locally, the hardest-hit area is Foshan's Shunde District, Guangdong Province, where 2,934 chikungunya cases had been reported as of Tuesday. The outbreak began in early July following the detection of an imported case, prompting swift public health interventions. According to local authorities, all cases have been mild, with no severe or fatal outcomes reported.

A mosquito bite leaves a red bump. Health officials say bites from Aedes mosquitoes can transmit chikungunya and dengue fever.

Guangdong Province is ramping up prevention and control measures to quickly break the chain of transmission. Guangdong Governor Wang Weizhong emphasized the urgency of intensified mosquito control efforts during an epidemic prevention conference held in Foshan on Wednesday.

Authorities have called for enhanced environmental sanitation, targeting mosquito breeding sites in narrow streets, alleys, residential areas, and garbage transfer stations. Residents are urged to eliminate stagnant water by emptying containers and regularly cleaning their surroundings to reduce mosquito habitats.

Residents are urged to remove stagnant water and maintain clean surroundings to prevent mosquito breeding.

Residents are urged to remove stagnant water and maintain clean surroundings to prevent mosquito breeding.

Dr. Duan Leilei, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, underscored that chikungunya fever is preventable, controllable, and treatable. "The virus is mainly spread through mosquito bites, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission," Duan said during a press briefing in Beijing.

Duan recommended several personal protective measures: wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing when outdoors during the day; use mosquito repellent; and avoid prolonged exposure to mosquito-prone areas such as shaded spots and dense vegetation.

Individuals experiencing high fever, severe joint pain, and rash — especially those with recent mosquito bites or travel history to affected regions — are advised to seek prompt medical attention.

What you need to know about chikungunya:

Chikungunya is a viral infection caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. 

Large outbreaks and sporadic cases occur mostly in the Americas, Asia, and Africa, with occasional smaller outbreaks in Europe. In tropical and subtropical regions, chikungunya can occur year-round. Recently, the disease has remained active in Southeast Asia, according to the WHO.

Symptoms:

Symptoms generally appear three-seven days after a mosquito bite and commonly include fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. 

Most patients recover within a week, although joint pain can be severe and disabling, sometimes lasting for months. Death from chikungunya is rare. Rest, hydration, and pain relief medications can help alleviate symptoms.