Guangdong Grapples with Simultaneous Chikungunya and Dengue Outbreaks Amidst Mosquito Season
Chancheng, Guangdong – Residents in Guangdong province are facing a dual threat of chikungunya and dengue fever, with health officials urging heightened vigilance as the peak mosquito season intensifies.The concurrent spread of these mosquito-borne illnesses has sparked concern among the public, with reports of individuals experiencing symptoms and struggling to connect with health authorities.
One netizen from Chancheng expressed anxiety after a family member developed a fever and underwent a blood test. “My family had a fever two days ago and had a blood test. The CDC called him but he didn’t get it. After calling back, no one answered it. Now I don’t know if he was hit. But he is almost healed, and I’m afraid that the CDC will come to arrest him and be hospitalized. It’s outrageous!” the netizen posted, highlighting the public’s apprehension regarding potential diagnoses and the response from health services.Medical experts confirm that chikungunya and dengue fever can infect a single person together. This co-infection can occur if a mosquito carries both viruses, if an individual is bitten by two different mosquitoes carrying separate viruses in quick succession, or if the immune system has not fully cleared the first virus before encountering the second.
The current situation in Guangdong is exacerbated by weather conditions conducive to mosquito proliferation. “Why is it particularly perilous now? The reason is that it is a weather with high temperatures and heavy rainstorms, so it is a carnival for mosquitoes!” warned a chief physician from Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. This sentiment is echoed by reports of widespread public awareness campaigns regarding dengue fever prevention in various Guangzhou districts, including Tianhe and Panyu.
While chikungunya has a low mortality rate, the doctor emphasized the heightened risk during this period. “Now is the peak season for ‘mosquito diseases’ such as dengue fever and chikungunya! The basin on the balcony is the ‘five-star delivery room for mosquitoes!'” the physician stated, underscoring the importance of proactive prevention measures.
To combat the spread of these diseases, health authorities recommend a three-pronged approach:
- Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Grounds: Regularly clean and empty any containers that can hold water, such as flower pots, buckets, and tires. Indoor plants with water should have their water changed every three to five days.
- Actively Kill Mosquitoes: Utilize mosquito coils, electric mosquito swatters, and insecticide sprays to reduce mosquito populations.
- Implement Personal Protection: When outdoors, wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and apply reliable mosquito repellent containing DEET or Picaridin. Avoid areas with dense vegetation, shade, and standing water. At home, ensure windows and doors are screened and use mosquito nets, especially during sleep.
By adhering to these preventative measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting chikungunya and dengue fever during this critical period.
