Over 2,600 Chikungunya Cases Reported in Foshan; Hong Kong Strengthens Mosquito Control

July 24, 2025 — Foshan City in Guangdong Province has reported over 2,600 confirmed cases of Chikungunya fever, prompting health concerns in neighboring areas. The mosquito-borne disease, which causes fever and joint pain, has not yet reached Hong Kong, but authorities are taking precautionary steps.

The Hong Kong government held an inter-departmental meeting on Tuesday (July 23) to review mosquito prevention efforts, especially with the rainy season and summer travel season underway. Officials warned that the risk of mosquito-borne diseases entering the city could rise during this period.

The World Health Organization has also raised an alert, saying that Chikungunya cases have been recorded in 119 countries and regions. The virus has spread from the Indian Ocean region to parts of Southeast Asia and Europe.

Despite the outbreak, some travel agencies in Hong Kong said they have not seen any major impact. Chen Zhihua, a manager from the agency Food, Play and Holiday, said that the number of group tours to Foshan this summer is similar to previous years. He added that travelers have not expressed concern and the scheduled tours are continuing as planned.

The agency has organized more than 30 tour groups to Foshan from now until the end of August. Most trips last two to three days. Chen said that due to the hot weather, many activities are held indoors, which lowers the risk of mosquito exposure. To ensure safety, tour companies are also giving out mosquito repellent to all participants.

Hong Kong residents are advised to stay alert and take mosquito precautions, especially if traveling to affected areas. Health officials recommend wearing long sleeves, using insect repellent, and avoiding standing water where mosquitoes may breed.

While no local cases have been detected in Hong Kong so far, authorities stress the importance of public awareness and prevention efforts to reduce the chance of a local outbreak.

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