Chinese officials have imposed Covid-like quarantines in parts of the country as cases of chikungunya virus continue to surge, APA reports citing Daily Mail.
More than 7 000 infections have been reported in the southern city of Foshan, in Guangdong province, prompting authorities to isolate patients in hospital wards covered with mosquito nets.
They are required to remain there for a week or until they test negative, whichever is soonest.
No deaths have yet been reported.
Chinese state television has shown workers spraying clouds of disinfectant around city streets, residential areas, construction sites and other areas where people may come into contact with virus-bearing mosquitos that are born in standing water.
Workers are also spraying some places before entering office buildings, a throwback to China’s controversial hard-line tactics used to battle the Covid-19 virus, while people who do not empty bottles, flower pots or other outdoor receptacles that might collect standing water can be subject to fines of up to $1 400 and have their electricity cut off.
Heavy rains and high temperatures have worsened the crisis in China, which is generally common in tropical areas but came on unusually strong this year.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Guangdong, urging travellers to take extra precautions when visiting the region, and to wear insect repellent, cover up with long clothing, and stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodation to avoid mosquito bites.
At least 12 other cities in Guangdong have reported infections, with about 3 000 cases being reported over the past week, bringing the total to more than 10 000 in the country.
Those experiencing fevers, joint pain or rashes are being asked to visit the nearest hospital so they can be tested for the virus.
Officials had briefly ordered travellers from Foshan to undergo a 14-day home quarantine, similar to Covid restrictions, but that has since been withdrawn.
Chikungunya can only be transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, and reports have emerged of attempts to stop the virus spread with fish that eat mosquito larvae and even larger mosquitos to eat the insects carrying the virus.
Meetings have been held and protocols adopted at national level in a sign of China’s determination to eliminate the outbreak and avoid public and international criticism.
