Daijiworld Media Network - Foshan

Foshan, Aug 6: In response to the rising threat of Chikungunya fever, authorities in Foshan, Guangdong province, have introduced stringent control measures, including real-name registration for purchasing fever and pain relief medications. The move aims to identify potential infections early as the mosquito-borne viral illness continues to spread.

Customers purchasing any of 47 specific drugs, including ibuprofen, must now scan a QR code to verify their identity, officials said. The city of Foshan, which remains the epicenter of the outbreak, reported 194 new cases on Monday, a slight drop from the 216 reported a day earlier.

Mayor Bai Tao announced intensified disinfection in enclosed public areas such as corridors and garages, especially during and after rainfall. Stagnant water — a prime mosquito breeding ground — will be promptly cleared to prevent further outbreaks.

Neighbouring cities such as Zhongshan and Maoming have also begun cracking down on violations related to mosquito breeding. Several establishments, including a restaurant and a kindergarten, were penalized for failing to control stagnant water. Property managers at 13 residential complexes faced citations for neglecting mosquito prevention duties.

Beyond Guangdong, provinces such as Fujian, Jiangsu, and Sichuan are also rolling out preventive measures. Travelers from affected areas in Fuzhou and Quanzhou must self-monitor for 14 days, while Nanjing issued a city-wide mosquito control advisory focusing on household and community clean-up efforts.

In Sichuan’s Gulin county, hospitals have been designated as treatment centers and isolation wards are being prepared. Medical institutions have been directed to stock emergency supplies as part of a larger preparedness initiative.

Dr. Yang Song from China-Japan Friendship Hospital urged caution but advised the public not to panic. “Chikungunya symptoms include fever, joint swelling, and rash, but unlike dengue, routine blood tests may not show drastic changes,” he noted.

He stressed the need for rest, a nutritious diet, and medical attention if fever lasts more than a week, particularly among vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions.

While current control efforts are deemed effective, experts say vaccines might become a future option. However, China currently has no approved vaccine for Chikungunya, according to the National Health Commission.