Guangdong has now entered the dengue fever epidemic season, and residents are advised to regularly check and empty containers, according to the Guangdong Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Guangdong dengue fever surveillance weekly report indicates that a total of 9 dengue fever cases were reported across the province in the past week.
The Guangdong CDC also reminds residents to eliminate stagnant water, remove clutter, and prevent mosquito-breeding environments in their daily lives.
Additionally, the water in aquatic plants should be changed regularly, at least once a week. Stagnant water in water dispensers and the saucers under flowerpots should also be promptly cleared. Residents should take personal and home-based mosquito prevention measures to avoid bites from Aedes mosquitoes and prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
If symptoms such as fever, rash, or muscle aches occur, residents should seek medical assistance without delay. When dengue fever cases are reported in a neighbourhood or community, residents should cooperate with epidemic prevention staff in clearing indoor breeding sites and eliminating adult mosquitoes.
Upon entry into China, if symptoms like fever, rash, or muscle aches are present, individuals should voluntarily declare them to customs. If similar symptoms occur after entry, medical attention should be sought promptly, and the history of overseas travel should be actively communicated to the attending doctor.
Recently, some communities in Guangdong have been experimenting with a "mosquito-controlling mosquito" approach. In a pilot community in Nanhai District, Foshan City, disease control personnel released male pupae of Aedes albopictus carrying Wolbachia bacteria into the target area.
When these male mosquitoes mate with wild female Aedes albopictus, the eggs laid by the females become unable to hatch. This method controls the reproduction of Aedes albopictus at the source, thereby reducing the risk of transmission of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Generally, mosquitoes are most active from May to October each year, with their peak activity period roughly falling between June and September. Due to the hot weather in Guangdong, the province started issuing dengue fever warnings in April.
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Photo | Guangdong CDC
Editor | Hu Nan, James, Shen He
