Nanjing Issues Warning on Mosquito-Borne Diseases Following Rise in Chikungunya Cases

On Monday, authorities in Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu Province in eastern China, released an official notice encouraging residents to be vigilant about preventing mosquito bites and maintaining hygiene to reduce the risks associated with diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, such as Chikungunya fever and dengue fever. This call to action follows reports of local transmission of Chikungunya fever in Guangdong Province, though the number of new cases has recently declined without any severe instances recorded, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

raising awareness about mosquito prevention, improving environmental cleanliness, ensuring personal protective measures, and conducting regular health assessments.

Residents are advised to stay informed about the transmission mechanisms and dangers posed by mosquito-borne illnesses and to recognize the symptoms associated with these diseases. Special attention is directed at vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and pregnant women, to ensure they adopt protective measures. Households are recommended to clean their environments every five to seven days, focusing on areas like courtyards and kitchens, while also ensuring proper waste disposal and maintaining a dry surroundings to deter mosquito breeding.

Communities are encouraged to establish weekly sanitation efforts aimed at clearing public and outdoor workspaces of debris that may serve as mosquito breeding sites. This involves removing or inverting containers that could hold stagnant water and maintaining proper drainage systems. Moreover, the Nanjing CDC suggests that residents install screens on windows to keep mosquitoes out and utilize repellents when necessary. When outdoors, wearing light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and steering clear of mosquito-prone areas during peak times are also recommended.

Travelers are advised to stay informed about health advisories regarding mosquito-borne disease outbreaks at their destinations. Those returning to Nanjing who experience symptoms like fever or rash should seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare providers of their recent travel history. They are also recommended to monitor their health for two weeks after returning from affected areas and to seek medical consultation if any symptoms arise.

Medical expert Tao Lina highlighted that Chikungunya is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, typically resulting in an incubation period of three to seven days. Despite the potential for transmission, the risk is moderated in the Yangtze River Delta region due to the low density of Aedes mosquitoes and the implementation of effective isolation measures.