The national prevention and control situation for dengue fever and chikungunya fever is severe, as these diseases are primarily transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes (commonly known as tiger mosquitoes). On August 4, the Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced that, to prevent imported cases from causing local transmission, Chongqing will release weekly mosquito surveillance results starting in August to ensure residents stay informed of risks and collaborate on prevention efforts.
It is understood that the key indicator for measuring Aedes mosquito density in an area is the Breteau Index (BI). If mosquito-borne diseases are detected and the local BI is between 5–10, there is a transmission risk; a BI between 10–20 indicates a clustered outbreak risk, while a BI above 20 suggests a localized epidemic risk.
Surveillance results from August 1–3 in Chongqing show an average BI of 11.35, placing the city at a moderate risk level. Among the 39 districts and counties in Chongqing, 1 is high-risk (BI ≥20, red); 26 are moderate-risk (10 ≤ BI <20, orange); 7 are low-risk (5 ≤ BI <10, yellow); and 5 meet the standard (BI <5, green).
Dengue fever and chikungunya fever are both mosquito-borne diseases. Symptoms of dengue fever include sudden fever, severe body pain (mainly in muscles and large joints), rash, bleeding, and low white blood cell count. Chikungunya fever symptoms include sudden fever, often accompanied by severe joint pain (mainly in small joints) and rash. In rare cases, patients may experience bleeding, encephalitis, myelitis, or other severe complications. If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor of the detailed progression. Report cases to local community committees or disease control departments.
To effectively control the spread, Chongqing CDC has provided prevention recommendations based on different risk levels, urging public cooperation in mosquito control efforts:
1. Comprehensive Mosquito Elimination
Communities should conduct thorough mosquito elimination. Residents should cooperate with disinfection efforts and keep doors and windows closed when going out.
2. Eliminate Standing Water
Immediately overturn flower pots, buckets, bottles, and other containers.
Pickling jars and aquatic plant containers must be covered or have their water changed twice weekly. Rinse plant roots and scrub container walls. Discard drained water into soil to prevent mosquito breeding in drains.
Dispose of or drill holes in old tires, foam boxes, and other debris to drain water.
3. Prevent Bites
Install window and door screens at home. Use mosquito nets, coils, or electric repellents while sleeping.
When outdoors, wear light-colored long sleeves and pants, and apply repellents with pesticide registration numbers starting with “WP.”
1. Check Key Areas for Standing Water
Indoors: Water trays under drinking dispensers, pickling jars.
Balcony/Rooftop: Plant saucers, unused containers.
Public areas: Clear small water containers immediately; report unremovable standing water (e.g., in green belts, drains) to property management.
2. Home Mosquito Control
Use mosquito coils, electric repellents, insecticide sprays, or electric swatters.
1. Manage Key Containers
Change water in aquatic plants weekly and scrub containers.
Add salt or seal the water in pickling jars.
2. Personal Protection
Use mosquito repellent during outdoor activities at dawn/dusk.
Standard-compliant areas (BI <5)—Maintain long-term prevention:
Clear hidden spots: Regularly check balconies, rooftops, and awnings for standing water; ensure proper drainage.
Dispose of trash: Sort and dispose of garbage properly; avoid open storage; keep bins sealed.
Prevent breeding: Cover water storage containers (e.g., vases, water tanks).
Additionally, Chongqing CDC reminds residents that a higher Breteau Index (BI) indicates greater risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Since risk levels may change, residents should stay updated and take protective measures.
