August 5th, 2025 - How China Uses Drones and 'Elephant Mosquitoes' in Its Battle Against a Virus

In Foshan, a southern city in China, authorities are waging an intense battle against chikungunya, a painful viral disease spread by mosquitoes. Soldiers in protective gear have been deployed to fog streets and parks with insecticides. Drones are actively used to locate mosquito breeding sites, while researchers have introduced innovative solutions, such as releasing giant "elephant mosquitoes" whose larvae prey on the disease-carrying mosquitoes. Additionally, thousands of mosquito-eating fish have been released into city ponds to help reduce the mosquito population.

Chikungunya, though rarely fatal, causes fever and severe joint pain, which can last for months. The disease has already infected around 8,000 people in China, mostly in Foshan, making it the largest outbreak in the country since the virus was first detected there in 2008. Experts attribute the outbreak to rising global temperatures, which have created ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive in the region. The virus, transmitted through mosquito bites, has prompted a swift response from the Chinese government, which has resorted to public health strategies reminiscent of those used during the Covid pandemic.

As part of the efforts to control the outbreak, authorities have mobilized the 10 million residents of Foshan in a "patriotic public health campaign." This initiative, however, has triggered some discomfort among the citizens. At building entrances, residents are sprayed with mosquito repellent before entering. Community workers in red vests go door to door to check homes for stagnant water, which mosquitoes use to breed. Those who refuse to comply could face fines or criminal charges, with some residents even having their electricity cut off as a consequence.

The government's approach, which echoes the strict zero-Covid measures enforced during the pandemic, has drawn criticism. Some residents have reported feeling the policing was excessive, with community workers entering homes without consent to inspect for stagnant water. On social media, people have shared frustrations over being asked to empty out all containers of water, including pet water bowls. There are concerns that such actions are too invasive, especially when residents' personal belongings, like plants, have been taken or destroyed during inspections.

The outbreak has also led to the establishment of quarantine wards in Foshan and other cities in Guangdong Province, where infected individuals are isolated under mosquito nets and screens. Some residents have reported being forced to go to the hospital at their own expense during the outbreak. Infected individuals are kept in these wards to prevent mosquitoes from spreading the virus to others. This practice, though critical for public health, has raised concerns about the imposition of stringent measures reminiscent of China's earlier mass mobilizations, such as the "four pests" campaign of the 1950s, which led to the mass extermination of sparrows and resulted in ecological consequences.

Experts emphasize that the virus poses a significant risk, particularly to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, newborns, and those with preexisting health conditions. Though most patients recover within a week, joint pain can persist for months. The outbreak has raised alarms internationally, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issuing a travel advisory for the Guangdong region, advising travelers to take precautions against mosquito bites and get vaccinated before visiting. Despite this, Chinese officials maintain that the situation is under control, though concerns continue to mount over the spread of the virus.

Outside Foshan, other cities in Guangdong have also reported cases, with the virus beginning to spread to neighboring provinces like Hunan, as well as regions like Macau and Hong Kong. In response, the local government has intensified its efforts to combat the virus, including urging residents to clean out standing water, install mosquito coils, and set up mosquito nets. Pharmacies are also monitoring purchases of fever and pain medications, raising concerns that such data could be used for surveillance purposes. For some residents, the fight against chikungunya has become an inevitable part of daily life, with long hours spent inspecting homes and public spaces.

The Chinese government remains committed to eradicating the chikungunya outbreak, with Guangdong’s governor calling for a collective effort to "win the battle against the epidemic." However, as the campaign continues, the mass mobilization of the population and the intense public health measures are stirring debate about the balance between public safety and personal freedom. In Foshan, many residents, like 22-year-old Cy Chen, have accepted their fate, realizing that cooperation is their best option in the face of the ongoing crisis.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Contentious - (adj, kun-TEN-shuss) - Contentious describes something that is likely to cause people to argue or disagree or that involves a lot of arguing. When used of a person, contentious describes someone likely or willing to argue.

Example: I think it’s wise to avoid such a contentious topic at a dinner party.