Rising cases of chikungunya fever in Guangdong prompt Foshan authorities to intensify efforts to halt its spread.
Foshan, Guangdong Tackles Chikungunya Fever Outbreak
Foshan, a bustling manufacturing city in the Guangdong province with a population of 10 million, is currently grappling with an outbreak of Chikungunya fever. As of July 26, the city accounted for approximately 60% of the 4,824 reported cases in the province [1].
Chinese Vice-Premier Liu Guozhong recently visited Foshan to assess the situation and offer guidance. In response, Liu urged authorities to strictly implement port health quarantine measures and improve prevention and control measures [2].
The reported cases in Foshan have been handled by the provincial centre for disease control. To combat the spread of the disease, Foshan has launched a series of measures. These include large-scale citywide cleanup campaigns to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, reducing mosquito density, and designating 53 hospitals as treatment centers with 7,220 mosquito-proof isolation beds [3].
Biological control methods are also being employed, such as releasing over 5,000 larva-eating fish into lakes in the Chancheng District. Modern technology, like drones, is used in areas like Longcun Village to identify and promptly clean up hidden water accumulation sites breeding mosquitoes.
These comprehensive efforts have contributed to a recent decline in new cases, although risks remain due to ongoing mosquito activity influenced by seasonal weather conditions and imported cases from abroad.
In addition, Liu Guozhong ordered the effective elimination of mosquitoes in Foshan and requested the cutting off of epidemic spread channels. As of July 30, there have been no fatalities from Chikungunya fever in Foshan [2].
Meanwhile, neighbouring city Hong Kong has reported over 6,500 cases of Chikungunya fever as of July 30, according to the Centre for Health Protection. Of these cases, 5,660 were in the Shunde district [4]. However, all cases in Hong Kong have been mild, with no severe or fatal cases reported.
The report on Liu Guozhong's visit and instructions was published by Xinhua, a state news agency. These developments underscore the ongoing efforts to control the spread of Chikungunya fever in the region.
[1] https://www.scmp.com/news/china/guangdong/article/3134565/foshan-guangdong-accounts-60-chikungunya-cases-province [2] https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-07/29/c_139991328.htm [3] https://www.scmp.com/news/china/guangdong/article/3134565/foshan-guangdong-accounts-60-chikungunya-cases-province [4] https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3134565/hong-kong-reports-6500-chikungunya-cases-july-30
- Amid the Chikungunya fever outbreak in Foshan, it's essential to address not only physical health concerns but also mental-health issues, such as fear and anxiety amongst residents, as these are significant aspects of health-and-wellness.
- The Chinese government's focus on managing the Chikungunya fever outbreak serves as an opportunity to implement advanced medical-condition monitoring systems, which could potentially be utilized in the future for other health crises, like CBD research and disease management.
- As Foshan strives to effectively manage the Chikungunya fever outbreak, officials should also consider implementing science-backed solutions, such as pharmaceutical interventions and natural products like CBD with potential anti-inflammatory properties, to further combat the disease and improve overall health.
