In China, the mosquito-borne disease Chikungunya has spread rapidly, with more than 7,000 cases reported in just a few weeks. Most cases have been recorded in Foshan, a city in southern China about 170 km from Hong Kong.
According to the Associated Press, the Chinese government has launched emergency measures to control the outbreak. Authorities are using mosquito nets, insecticide sprays, and even drones to detect and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Officials said heavy rainfall and high temperatures have worsened the spread of the virus. Drones are being used to locate stagnant water in rooftops, storage sheds, and other hard-to-reach places.
The government has warned that residents who leave water in outdoor containers could face fines of up to 10,000 yuan (about 1,400 USD) and even power cuts.
To fight the outbreak, over 5,000 fish that eat mosquito larvae have been released in lakes, and larger mosquitoes that prey on virus-carrying insects are also being used.
Experts say this appears to be the largest Chikungunya outbreak in China so far. The virus spreads through infected mosquitoes and can cause fever and severe joint pain. Authorities claim that new cases are now slowly decreasing due to the strict measures.
