What's happened
As of August 2025, Guangdong province, China, especially Foshan city, faces its largest chikungunya outbreak with over 8,000 cases since late June. Hong Kong has confirmed multiple imported cases linked to travel in Foshan and Bangladesh. Authorities in both regions are intensifying mosquito control and public health measures amid heavy rains and rising mosquito populations to prevent local transmission.
What's behind the headline?
Rapid Spread and Regional Risk
The chikungunya outbreak in Guangdong, particularly Foshan, represents a significant public health challenge due to the virus's rapid replication in mosquitoes and favorable environmental conditions. The combination of heavy rains and rising temperatures has accelerated mosquito breeding, increasing transmission risk.
Cross-Border Implications
Hong Kong's proximity and frequent travel to Guangdong have led to multiple imported cases, raising concerns about potential local transmission. Despite no confirmed local spread yet, the risk remains elevated given the presence of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and recent heavy rainfall.
Public Health Response and Innovation
Authorities are deploying intensified mosquito control measures, including larvicides, fogging, and legal actions against stagnant water sources, especially at construction sites. Innovative approaches such as robotic insecticide-spraying dogs and AI-powered mosquito surveillance platforms are being trialed to enhance control efforts.
Diagnostic Advances
Hong Kong biotech firms are developing rapid antigen tests for chikungunya, aiming to reduce diagnosis time from hours to minutes, which will improve case identification and containment.
Global Context and Future Outlook
The outbreak aligns with a global increase in chikungunya cases, driven by climate change and increased travel. The virus's expansion into new regions underscores the need for sustained surveillance and public education. Without effective mosquito control and traveler awareness, the risk of local outbreaks in Hong Kong and beyond will persist.
Impact on Residents
Residents in affected and neighboring areas must adopt personal protective measures, including mosquito repellents and eliminating breeding sites, especially after travel to high-risk regions. Public health messaging and community engagement will be critical to preventing wider transmission.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post provides detailed coverage of Hong Kong's imported chikungunya cases and government responses, highlighting the deployment of robotic dogs for insecticide spraying and the development of rapid diagnostic tests. It reports on the rising mosquito indices and the challenges posed by heavy rains, quoting health officials like Dr Ronald Lam and Secretary Tse Chin-wan.
Al Jazeera and The Independent offer broader context on the Guangdong outbreak, with Al Jazeera's Erin Hale noting the unprecedented scale in Foshan and the use of COVID-style containment measures, including quarantines and fines for mosquito breeding. The Independent emphasizes the global rise in chikungunya cases and the risk of spread to Europe, quoting experts on the importance of travel precautions.
The Japan Times and Bloomberg briefly report on the first imported cases in Hong Kong, linking them to Foshan's outbreak. SBS provides a comprehensive background on chikungunya's symptoms, transmission, and global spread, underscoring the disease's increasing reach due to climate change.
Together, these sources illustrate a coordinated regional response amid a growing public health threat, with a focus on containment, innovation, and public awareness.
How we got here
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease spread by Aedes mosquitoes, causing fever and joint pain that can last months. Since 2004, outbreaks have increased globally, with 240,000 cases reported in 2025 across 16 countries. Guangdong's outbreak is the largest in China since 2008, fueled by favorable climate and limited immunity. Hong Kong had no cases since 2019 until recent imported infections linked to Foshan and Bangladesh.
Go deeper
- How is Hong Kong preventing local chikungunya transmission?
- What new technologies are being used to control mosquitoes?
- What are the symptoms and risks of chikungunya fever?
Common question
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What’s Causing the Chikungunya Outbreak in Foshan?
Foshan is currently experiencing a significant surge in chikungunya cases, with over 4,000 reported in just two weeks. This rapid increase has raised concerns about the causes behind the outbreak. Many wonder what factors are fueling this health crisis and what measures are being taken to control it. Below, we explore the main reasons for the outbreak and what it means for the region.
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How Serious Is the Chikungunya Outbreak in Foshan?
Recent reports indicate a significant rise in chikungunya cases in Foshan, China, with over 4,000 infections in just two weeks. This rapid spread raises concerns about the severity of the outbreak and its potential impact on public health. Many are wondering how dangerous this outbreak is, what measures are being taken, and how it might affect neighboring regions like Hong Kong. Below, we answer common questions about this outbreak and what it means for travelers and residents alike.
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UK Moves to Break Up Tech Giants: What Does This Mean for Apple and Google?
The UK has recently taken a bold step against the dominance of Apple and Google in the mobile market. By designating these companies as holding 'strategic market status,' regulators aim to increase competition, lower app store fees, and improve user choice. But what does this mean for consumers, developers, and the future of tech regulation? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this significant move and what it could mean for the tech landscape worldwide.
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What Is Chikungunya and How Is It Spreading in China?
Recent outbreaks of chikungunya in Guangdong, China, have raised concerns about mosquito-borne diseases. With over 4,000 cases mainly in Foshan's Shunde district, many are wondering what this disease is, how it spreads, and what risks it poses. In this page, we’ll answer your key questions about the outbreak, precautions to take, and the global implications of this rising health threat.
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Could UK’s move against Apple and Google inspire other countries?
The UK’s recent crackdown on tech giants Apple and Google has sparked a global conversation about regulating digital markets. With the UK designating these companies as holding 'strategic market status,' questions arise about whether this bold move will influence other nations to follow suit. As regulators worldwide watch closely, many wonder if this signals a new wave of antitrust actions aimed at breaking up tech monopolies and fostering fair competition. Below, we explore the potential global impact of the UK’s actions and what it could mean for the future of tech regulation worldwide.
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What Are the Latest Mosquito-Borne Diseases Spreading Globally?
Mosquito-borne diseases are increasingly becoming a global health concern, with outbreaks happening in new regions and affecting more people than ever before. From chikungunya in China to dengue in urban areas, understanding how these diseases spread and what can be done to prevent them is crucial. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about these emerging health threats and what you can do to stay safe.
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What Does the ICJ Ruling Mean for Countries' Climate Policies?
The recent ICJ advisory opinion marks a significant milestone in climate justice, affirming that nations have a legal obligation to protect the climate and recognize a healthy environment as a human right. This ruling could reshape how countries approach climate policies, potentially leading to legal actions and reparations. Below, we explore what this means for global climate efforts and how it might impact vulnerable nations and international law.
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How Serious Is the Chikungunya Outbreak in Guangdong?
The recent surge of chikungunya cases in Guangdong has raised concerns about its severity and potential spread. With over 5,000 reported cases in Foshan's Shunde district alone, many are wondering how dangerous this outbreak really is, what measures are being taken, and what risks it poses to other regions. Below, we explore the key questions about this outbreak and what it means for public health.
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What’s the Latest on the Chikungunya Outbreak in Guangdong?
With over 5,000 cases reported in Guangdong and the first case in Hong Kong since 2019, many are wondering what’s happening with the chikungunya outbreak. How serious is it, and what are the risks? Here’s what you need to know about the current situation, public health responses, and how to stay safe from mosquito-borne diseases.
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What Are the Latest Public Health and Safety Concerns?
Recent headlines highlight emerging health threats and safety issues around the world. From outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases to safety incidents involving children, staying informed is crucial. Here, we answer common questions about current health emergencies, government responses, and safety concerns in public spaces and travel. Keep reading to understand what you need to know now.
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What Is Chikungunya and How Is It Spread?
With a recent outbreak in Guangdong and Hong Kong, many are wondering what chikungunya is and how it spreads. This mosquito-borne virus has caused concern due to rising cases and the risk of local transmission. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about chikungunya, its dangers, and how to stay protected during outbreaks.
More on these topics
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Foshan, alternately romanized as Fatshan, is a prefecture-level city in central Guangdong Province, China. The entire prefecture covers 3,848 km² and has an urban population around 7.2 million in 2012.
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Guangdong is a coastal province in South China on the north shore of South China Sea. The capital of the province is Guangzhou.
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Chikungunya is an infection caused by the chikungunya virus. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain, typically occurring four to eight days after the bite of an infected mosquito; however some people may be infected without showing any symptoms
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Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is a metropolitan area and special administrative region of the People's Republic of China on the eastern Pearl River Delta of the South China Sea.
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The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia. It is the eighth-most populous country in the world, with a population exceeding 162 million people.
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The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is an independent agency of the European Union whose mission is to strengthen Europe's defences against infectious diseases. The Centre was established in 2004 and is located in Solna, Sweden.
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Aedes albopictus, from the mosquito family, also known as tiger mosquito or forest mosquito, is a mosquito native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a national public health institute in the United States. It is a United States federal agency, under the Department of Health and Human Services, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
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