China Faces Largest Chikungunya Outbreak, Taiwan Reports First Imported Case

Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control confirmed its first imported case of chikungunya virus from China amid the mainland's largest-ever outbreak, primarily in Foshan city. The patient, a woman in her 40s who traveled to Foshan and Shenzhen, developed fever, rash, and limb pain after mosquito bites and was hospitalized before discharge and ongoing monitoring. China has reported over 10,000 chikungunya cases, triggering extensive mosquito control measures including insecticide-spraying drones and quarantines, while U.S. CDC officials warn travelers to take precautions. Experts note this outbreak is notable as chikungunya had not been previously established in mainland China, leaving the population largely non-immune and facilitating rapid spread. Taiwan has seen 17 chikungunya cases this year, all imported, and health authorities are conducting mosquito control around the recent patient's home to prevent local transmission. Separately, Taiwan also reported a domestic tularemia case in a woman with chronic illnesses, though the source remains unknown, emphasizing ongoing vigilance for infectious diseases.