Urgent health alert for Aussie travellers as deadly virus explodes across China

Health experts have urged Aussies travelling to and from China to be on alert for a deadly insect-borne virus running rampant across more th...

Health experts have urged Aussies travelling to and from China to be on alert for a deadly insect-borne virus running rampant across more than 20 cities. 

Cases of chikungunya – which is passed from an infected mosquito to humans – have more than doubled from 7,000 to 16,500 in the last two months in the southern Guangdong province, and have spread overseas.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) described the current situation in China as the 'largest documented chikungunya outbreak to date'.

The United Nations agency has recorded 445,271 infections and 155 deaths in 40 countries up until September 30 this year.

The outbreak began in late July, prompting Chinese health authorities to impose Covid-style lockdowns in the worst-hit areas. 

The streets of major cities and towns are also being sprayed with insecticides.

CCTV has also emerged on Chinese state media of infected patients lying in hospital beds and separated by mosquito nets.

While no chikungunya cases have been reported in Australia, types of mosquitoes that can carry the virus have been detected in North Queensland.

It has prompted Deakin University epidemiology chair Dr Catherine Bennett to urge  Aussies heading to or returning from overseas to monitor for symptoms.

Chikungunya spreads when mosquitoes feed on an infected person.

'If that mosquito then bites another susceptible person, then it's possible they can pass this chikungunya virus on,' Dr Bennett told Sky News.

Returning travellers who notice symptoms are urged to see their GP. 

'It's really important they protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes because that will reduce the source or potential transmission to other people,' Dr Bennett added.

The warning comes after Australian government website Smartraveller recently updated its travel advice for China.

'An outbreak is occurring in southern China, particularly across Guangdong province,' it states. 

'The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Newborns and older people with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of severe symptoms.'

The virus has spread to Europe in recent months, with France and Italy recording 63 and 30 new infections respectively in the first week of October.

Though not usually fatal, chikungunya can cause a sudden onset of fever, severe joint pain, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, fatigue and skin rashes. 

While most people recover within a fortnight, joint pain can linger for months or even years.

In rare cases, chikungunya can progress to severe dengue-like illness, which may result in internal bleeding, organ failure, and even death.

The virus has also been linked to eye, heart, and neurological complications.

If a pregnant woman is infected around the time of delivery, the baby can also be infected at birth, which often results in severe illness.

The elderly and people with underlying health conditions are also at increased risk of severe illness.

There is currently no cure or specific treatment for chikungunya, but symptoms can be managed with paracetamol and by staying hydrated. 

Aussies can also prevent infection by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and using screens or bed nets.

There are currently two vaccines which protect against the virus; IXCHIQ for those aged between 18 and 64 and Vimkunya for those 12 years and older.

Read more

• Will China’s largest-ever outbreak of chikungunya lead to severe health restrictions as authorities take drastic measures to combat this viral menace?
• How can travelers guard themselves against the relentless chikungunya virus on the rise globally?
• Could the recent chikungunya surge in China signal a threat to international travelers this summer?
• With China's chikungunya virus unleashing havoc, could it spark a severe outbreak in the US amid 1.6 million travelers annually?
• Are you at risk of a 'killer' mosquito bite as the chikungunya virus wreaks havoc with global outbreaks?