As of the end of September, more than 16,000 locally transmitted cases has been reported in Guangdong Province. All cases were laboratory-confirmed. This represents the largest documented chikungunya outbreak to date in China.
The cases have been reported in 21 cities, mainly in Foshan City (10032), Jiangmen City (5209), Guangzhou City (590), Shenzhen City (128), Zhanjiang City (112), Zhuhai City (60), and Zhongshan City (54).
Additionally, during 1-21 September, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region reported 297 local and associated cases; Fujian Province reported 124 local and associated cases; and some other provinces (such as Hunan, Sichuan, and Hainan provinces) also reported a few local cases.
According to the data as of 16 August 2025, among all locally reported cases nationwide, the age distribution is: 0-5 years 3.1 %, 6-17 years 13.6 %, 18-45 years 37.0 %, 46-60 years 23.3 %, 61-74 years 15.2 %, and ≥75 years 7.8 %. Up to now, all reported cases have been mild, with no severe cases or deaths.
Chikungunya disease is caused by the chikungunya virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Indian and Pacific Oceans.
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Most people infected with chikungunya virus develop some symptoms. Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3–7 days after a bite by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people get better within a week; however, some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness.
People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare.
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya.
There are currently two chikungunya vaccines that have received regulatory approvals and/or have been recommended for use in populations at risk in several countries, but the vaccines are not yet widely available nor in widespread use.