What is the ʹchiechongingyaʹ virus that has infected thousands of people in China?

In the province of Guangdong, China, more than 7,000 cases of the virus have been reported, which is transmitted by mosquitoes.

The town of Foshan is the most hit, where patients are kept in hospital under strict anti-proliferation measures.

Besides Foshan, at least 12 other towns in the southern province of Guangdong have reported infections.

Nearly 3,000 cases were reported only last week.

Though the cases are easy, Chinese authorities have warned of added caution, the Teegraph reports, broadcast Periscopi.

However, cases have led to panic, given that the virus is not widely known locally

Meanwhile, the U.S. has urged travelers to China to show “added caution” after the explosion.

But what's the chikongunya?

Most people bitten by an infected mosquito will develop symptoms of chicuguniya within three to seven days.

Besides fevers and joint pain, other symptoms include frying, headache, muscle pain, and swelling of joints.

In most cases patients will feel better within a week. In serious cases, however, joint pain can last for months or even years.

Those in danger of more serious illness include newborns, older ones, and people with basic health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes.

There are no cures, but deaths from chicugunya are rare.

The virus was first identified in Tanzania in 1952. It then spread to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

To date, it has been reported in more than 110 countries.

The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is “reduction” of remaining water pools that allow mosquitoes to breed, according to the World Health Organization. /Periscopi