China Imposes Covid-Style Quarantine Over 7,000 Mosquito-Borne Virus Cases in Guangdong

China has implemented stringent measures in Guangdong province to combat a significant outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus causing fever, joint pain, headaches, and nausea. Over 7,000 cases have been reported, predominantly in Foshan, where patients face mandatory hospitalization for at least one week. Authorities have deployed tactics reminiscent of the Covid pandemic, including mass disinfection, mosquito net distribution, drone surveillance targeting breeding sites, and fines or power disconnections for residents failing to eliminate stagnant water. In addition to these efforts, the government has revived some Covid-era health controls such as recording purchases of common medicines, mass testing, and travel history reporting to curb the outbreak. The World Health Organization and U.S. health agencies have expressed concern, with the U.S. issuing a travel advisory for Guangdong. The situation has raised fears among experts and residents of a possible return to stringent zero-Covid-style policies, marked by intense surveillance and enforcement campaigns.