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Guangdong Moves Swiftly To Combat Chikungunya

What Is Chikungunya: The Virus Behind China’s 2025 Outbreak

Its name comes from a word in the Makonde language of East Africa, meaning 'double over in pain'

As global health experts turn their attention to rising cases in China, many are asking: what exactly is chikungunya, and should we be worried? Here’s what you need to know—without the medical jargon.

Chikungunya is a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species—the same ones that spread dengue and Zika. The name “chikungunya” comes from a word in the Makonde language of East Africa, meaning “double over in pain,” referring to the severe joint pain that often accompanies the illness, according to the Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS).

How Is It Transmitted? Transmission is pretty straightforward:

  • A mosquito bites someone infected with the virus.
  • The virus multiplies in the mosquito.
  • Then, that mosquito bites another person—and the virus spreads.

It does not spread directly from person to person. But areas with high mosquito activity and warm, humid climates are especially vulnerable to outbreaks.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 7 days after being bitten, and can last from a few days to over a week. The most common include:

  • High fever (over 100.4°F)
  • Severe joint pain, especially in the hands and feet
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Fatigue
  • Rash

While chikungunya is rarely fatal, it can be very uncomfortable. In some cases, joint pain can last for weeks or even months, especially in older adults or people with existing conditions.

What’s Happening in China Right Now?

As of mid-2025, China has reported a growing number of chikungunya cases, particularly in southern provinces, where climate conditions support mosquito populations. Authorities have ramped up vector control efforts (like spraying and eliminating standing water), but rising temperatures and increased travel are making the virus harder to contain.

Public health agencies are urging people to take extra precautions, especially in areas where local transmission is active.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

The best way to prevent chikungunya is to avoid mosquito bites. Here’s how:

  • Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
  • Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk
  • Sleep with mosquito nets if needed
  • Remove standing water around your home—mosquitoes love to breed in it

Currently, there’s no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, so prevention is key. Most people recover with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers (but avoid aspirin or NSAIDs until dengue is ruled out, as symptoms can be similar).

The Aedes mosquito is a known vector for several viruses, including West Nile virus, yellow fever virus, dengue virus, chikungunya virus, and Zika virus. (Soumyabrata Roy/Getty Images)

Chikungunya is part of a larger conversation about how climate change and global mobility are affecting public health. Viruses that were once limited to tropical areas are now appearing in regions that never had to worry about them before. Knowing the signs, understanding how it spreads, and taking basic precautions can make a big difference—not just for individuals, but for communities.

If you’re in or traveling to affected areas: stay informed, protect yourself from mosquito bites, and see a doctor if you develop symptoms. Chikungunya may sound unfamiliar, but with the right awareness, it doesn’t have to be a major threat.