Russia`s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) has issued a warning regarding the potential importation of Chikungunya fever from China. While no cases have been detected in Russia yet, border inspections have been intensified. The virus is currently spreading in China`s Guangdong province, transmitted by mosquito bites, and causes symptoms such as high fever, severe joint pain, and skin rash. The agency stated that border checkpoints are utilizing the automated information system “Perimeter” to identify individuals exhibiting signs of infectious diseases.
Chikungunya fever is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bites of Aedes mosquitoes; it does not spread from person to person. Common symptoms include high fever, severe joint pain, and a distinctive skin rash. Currently, there is no specific treatment available for Chikungunya fever.
This summer, an outbreak of the disease was recorded in China`s Guangdong province, affecting approximately 7,000 people. Authorities there have initiated extensive mosquito control efforts, focusing on eliminating stagnant water sources. They have also implemented restrictive measures similar to those observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports indicate that the government introduced mass testing, collected citizen movement data, and began community-level disinfection. According to Konstantin Shchepin, a journalist from China:
Konstantin Shchepin: “Yes, the virus is spreading in southern China. Our Rospotrebnadzor says they are monitoring the situation, but there is no panic in China. The outbreak has been effectively localized, and on the ground, especially in Guangdong province, it is now beginning to subside.”
Interviewer: “Here, it`s being reported that people need to protect themselves from these mosquitoes and take precautions.”
Konstantin Shchepin: “Medical professionals state that this fever is not transmitted from person to person but is exclusively carried by mosquitoes. A mosquito lives for an average of seven days—it would be incredibly difficult for it to fly not only to Russia`s border from southern China`s Guangdong province but even to reach central China. Considering how weakly mosquitoes migrate, their flight trajectory is not like that of ballistic missiles. Therefore, we do not expect mosquitoes to advance like locusts from southern to northern China. One needs to understand the basic facts: a mosquito`s flight speed, its flight trajectory, and its lifespan. No one anticipates a further migration of this disease across China. Yes, there have been a few isolated instances where mosquitoes traveled on high-speed trains or airplanes and ended up in other regions, but these are isolated cases that do not cause concern among medical experts. I understand the reaction of foreign audiences, with everyone worried and closely monitoring the situation with this virus in China, but I believe foreign media might be overstating it a bit. Even in some parts of Guangdong province, the situation isn`t entirely `fun,` but we certainly do not expect any massive epidemic wave, let alone a cross-border one. I haven`t seen any reports indicating high mortality rates from this fever. They say it`s very unpleasant, and after-effects can linger, with general unwellness lasting for months—so it`s far from pleasant. But this virus is not wiping out people en masse; that is certainly not the case.”
In Russia, Aedes mosquitoes, which are known carriers of the virus, breed in regions such as Primorye, Crimea, and the Caucasus. According to Rospotrebnadzor, Russia continuously monitors the circulation of these vector mosquitoes. As of now, there is no epidemiological danger. Russian tourists are strongly advised to avoid insect bites by using repellents and installing mosquito nets on doors and windows.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth