KABUL: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning regarding the rapid spread of the “Chikungunya” virus in southern China, particularly in the city of Foshan, Guangdong province. As of August 1, 2025, over 4,000 cases of the Chikungunya virus have been reported in Guangdong. According to the WHO, positive cases of the virus have been recorded in 119 countries, prompting the organization to issue a global alert due to its swift transmission. The virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and causes symptoms such as high fever, joint pain, and severe fatigue. In some cases, it can lead to long-term disabilities. The current outbreak resembles the epidemic from 2004-2005, which began in the islands of the Indian Ocean and affected around half a million people worldwide. The virus has spread to Africa, with cases reported in Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya, as well as in Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. In Europe, local transmission cases have been reported in France and Italy. There is no specific treatment for Chikungunya, and prevention through mosquito bites protection, such as using nets and insect repellents, is crucial. The WHO has urged countries to strengthen surveillance, train healthcare workers, and implement mosquito control measures to prevent another global outbreak.
