China enacts COVID-related measures due to the threat of the chikungunya virus
In the heart of 2025, a significant Chikungunya fever outbreak has been reported in China, particularly in Guangdong Province, with over 10,000 cases documented, notably in Foshan city [1][2]. However, as of now, there is no direct evidence linking this outbreak to reported cases in Europe, despite both regions experiencing Chikungunya presence this year.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports around 240,000 Chikungunya cases and 90 related deaths globally in 2025, including some in Europe. Most of these cases are travel-associated rather than locally transmitted [1].
Climate change and international travel are believed to be key factors in the spread of tropical diseases like Chikungunya.
Climate change influences the geographic expansion of vectors such as the Aedes mosquitoes, which thrive in warmer temperatures and expanded habitats. This expansion increases the potential for Chikungunya transmission even in temperate regions like parts of Europe [1].
International travel facilitates the movement of infected individuals and vectors between endemic and non-endemic areas. Travelers returning from outbreak zones can introduce the virus to areas where competent mosquito vectors exist, potentially seeding new transmission chains [1].
In response to the outbreak, Chinese authorities have implemented restrictive measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some cities have started imposing restrictions on arrivals from Foshan [1].
Russia's consumer protection agency has issued a warning about the potential importation of Chikungunya disease into the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending the strengthening of measures to control mosquito populations and public education on disease prevention [1].
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are the primary vectors of the Chikungunya virus. Around 70% of all infections have been detected in Foshan city [1].
Despite the significant number of infections, no fatalities have been reported. Local transmission of the Chikungunya virus has been recorded in Europe, specifically in France and Italy. Street disinfection has resumed in affected areas [1].
Experts believe that climate change and increased international travel are factors contributing to the spread of tropical diseases beyond their traditional ranges. The disease outbreak is attributed to favourable mosquito breeding conditions [1].
In a separate incident, a dog in Biysk (no location specified) fell into a hole filled with hot water [1].
The Chikungunya fever outbreak in China serves as a stark reminder of the growing risks of tropical diseases spreading beyond their traditional regions, underscoring the need for increased global vigilance and preparedness.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is reporting around 240,000 Chikungunya cases and 90 related deaths globally in 2025, with some cases found in Europe. This surge in cases can be attributed to factors like climate change, which expands the habitats of Aedes mosquitoes, and increased international travel, which facilitates the movement of infected individuals and vectors between endemic and non-endemic areas, potentially leading to local transmission in regions like Europe (science, health-and-wellness).
Street disinfection has resumed in areas like France and Italy after the local transmission of the Chikungunya virus was recorded, highlighting the importance of employing science and health-and-wellness measures to control mosquito populations and prevent the spread of tropical diseases (science, health-and-wellness).
