Over 7,000 cases of chikungunya, a virus spread by mosquitoes, have been reported in China's Guangdong province since July. To stop the virus from spreading, officials have put in place strict rules similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the hardest-hit city of Foshan, patients must stay in the hospital, and their beds are protected with mosquito nets. They can only leave after a week or when they test negative for the virus.

However, the health official have employed an innovative and biologically friendly way to fight the contagious virus. Giant 'elephant mosquitoes' are being released to to fight the mosquito-borne virus.

What are 'Elephant Mosquitoes'?

Also Read: As China Revives COVID-Era Measures To Beat Chikungunya Virus, Here's All You Should Know About This Mosquito-borne Disease

To see whether these helpful insects can impact diseases like chikungunya, a study published in the BioControl journal looked at how they interact with Aedes, which are the mosquitoes responsible for spreading chikungunya. Researchers collected elephant mosquito larvae from old tires and studied them in a lab. They discovered that a single elephant mosquito larva can eat up to 45 Aedes larvae in a day.

The study showed that these elephant mosquito larvae are highly effective hunters. Their eating habits didn't change based on the type of container, how much water was present, or whether it was day or night. This means they could be a reliable, natural way to control mosquitoes in many different places, at any time. This shows that these giant, non-biting mosquitoes are a promising, all-natural pest control solution.

What is Happening and Why People Are Worried

The virus is not contagious and spreads only when an infected person is bitten by a mosquito that then bites others. The virus causes fever and bad joint pain, which can sometimes last for years.

The outbreak has caused some panic in China, as the virus isn't well known there. People are concerned about the long-term pain. However, officials say most cases have been mild, and 95% of patients have gotten better within a week. Hong Kong has also reported its first case, a boy who had recently traveled to Foshan.

How Does Chikungunya Spread?

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, chikungunya virus, a type of alphavirus, is found in many parts of the world. It is carried and spread by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites a person with the virus and then bites another person, the virus is transmitted. People are most likely to infect mosquitoes during the first few days of their illness, when they have a high level of the virus in their blood.

Less Common Ways the Virus Can Spread

While the virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes, it can also be transmitted through other means due to the high viral load in an infected person's blood. These less common methods include:

• Blood transfusions
• Handling infected blood in a lab
• Drawing blood from an infected person
• The virus is not spread from person to person through sneezing, coughing, or touching.

Has Monsoon Played A Part In The Chikungunya Outbreak?

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine explains that a surge in chikungunya cases began in early 2025, and it is likely due to favorable climatic conditions, which allow the Aedes mosquito population to boom. Guangdong province is a coastal area, that is experiencing rainfall at the moment. These mosquitoes thrive in warm, wet conditions, often living near humans and breeding in places with standing water like water tanks and discarded containers. After heavy rain, mosquito populations can grow rapidly, leading to a rise in diseases they carry.

The combined risks of climate change and transmission from people who don't know they're infected. As the climate gets warmer, the Aedes mosquito can now be found in new parts of the world. Additionally, many people with chikungunya don't show any symptoms, so they can spread the virus without knowing it. Other possible reasons for the increase in cases could be a lack of funding for mosquito control or even a change in the virus's genetics that makes it more infectious.

Chikungunya is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and causes a fever and severe joint pain. There is no specific cure, and while rare, the disease can be fatal. The best ways to prevent infection are to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, install screens on windows and doors, and remove any standing water from containers around your home.

Should People Be Concerned About It?

Most people who get bitten by an infected mosquito will feel sick within three to seven days. Besides fever and joint pain, other symptoms include rashes, headaches, and muscle aches. While most people get better in a week, some will have joint pain that lasts for months or even years.

The virus is rarely deadly, but it can be more dangerous for babies, older people, and those with other health issues like heart disease or diabetes. The World Health Organization says the best way to stop the virus is to get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

Ahmedabad toddler, one-and-a-half-year-old boy swallowed a 'Hulk' toy, which is based on a popular comic superhero. The toy was stuck in his stomach when his parents took him to the Civil Hospital. According to reports by News18, the child is identified as Vansh who showed the signs of discomfort and began vomiting. This is what alarmed the parents.

As per the News18 report, his mother Bhavika was suspicious when she noticed that one of his toys was missing. The child was rushed to the hospital and an X-ray revealed that he had swallowed the entire plastic toy. The toy was not broken.

Hindustan Times reported that Dr Rakesh Joshi, Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery removed the toy through upper GI endoscopy. "Had it been a little late, the toy could have moved further from the stomach and got stuck in the intestines. In that case, there would have been a risk of intestinal blockage and even rupture," the senior doctor said.

"There is a natural valve between the esophagus and the stomach. The biggest challenge was to take out a whole toy through this valve. When we tried to grab it with the endoscope, the toy kept slipping because of the air in the stomach. Pulling the toy by its hand or foot raised the possibility of it getting stuck in the valve and causing it permanent damage," he said.

The doctor noted that if the toy had further slipped down, it would have increased the risk of intestine rupturing.

Ahmedabad Toddler Swallows Hulk Toy: What Parents Must Keep In Their Mind

Under the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, toy safety in India was brought under mandatory BIS certification from September 1, 2020. The move aims to ensure safer toys for children while also supporting the government’s policy of curbing non-essential imports.

Industry sources estimate that more than 85 percent of toys sold in India are imported. Officials say the Toys Quality Control Order is a key step in preventing the entry of cheap and substandard toys into the domestic market, many of which fail to meet basic safety requirements.

Ahmedabad Toddler Swallows Hulk Toy: Standards for Electric and Non-Electric Toys

The quality control order clearly defines safety standards based on the type of toy. Non-electric toys such as dolls, rattles, puzzles, and board games must comply with IS 9873 (Part 1):2019. These toys do not rely on electricity for any of their functions.

Electric toys, which include at least one function powered by electricity, are required to meet the standards outlined under IS 15644:2006. Compliance with these standards is mandatory before such toys can be sold in the Indian market.

Ahmedabad Toddler Swallows Hulk Toy: Risks Linked to Untested Toys

Toys that are not tested by NABL-accredited toy testing laboratories can pose serious health risks to children. Sharp edges and poorly finished parts can cause cuts and injuries. PVC toys may contain phthalates, which are considered harmful chemicals.

Many low-quality toys have also been found to contain lead, a substance known to be particularly damaging to brain development in children. Soft toys with fur or hair can trigger allergies or become choking hazards. In some cases, small body parts can get stuck in gaps or holes, increasing the risk of injury.

Testing by NABL-accredited laboratories ensures that toys are safe, durable, and suitable for specific age groups. Parents are advised to check for IS marks on toys before purchasing, as this indicates compliance with Indian safety standards.

Ahmedabad Toddler Swallows Hulk Toy: What Parents Should Check Before Buying Toys

Experts recommend avoiding toys with small detachable parts for toddlers and young children, as they are more likely to put objects in their mouths. Toys should always match the child’s age, skill level, and interests.

Parents are also urged to look for IS marks, which confirm that the toy has been tested and certified. Loud toys should be avoided, as prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can harm a child’s hearing.

Electric toys with heating elements should be used with caution or avoided altogether due to burn risks. Finally, toys with sharp edges or shooting components should be carefully examined to prevent cuts and injuries.

Nipah virus outbreak in India triggered airport screenings of travelers, including in Myanmar. Many reports claim that passengers are being checked in similar ways as they were during the COVID-19 virus spread. Health and Me reported how in Thailand the health screenings of foreign travelers were taken seriously, a similar case is seen in Myanmar.

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: How Are Travelers Screened In Myanmar?

Myanmar has tightened its health screenings and surveillance at Yangon International Airport to prevent any possible entry of Nipah virus case, reported The Global New Light of Myanmar. Travelers who are arriving from India, especially West Bengal are given special attention to check for any fever or other Nipah-related symptoms, read the report by the Ministry of Health.

The ministry also noted that health screening of passengers arriving from abroad is being conducted in line with the established guidelines for infectious diseases that could give rise to public health emergencies, Xinhua news agency reported.

Informational leaflets too are being distributed among travelers to be aware of the symptoms. Posters are also displayed at the airport. Along with all that, disease prevention and control measures are also being carried out in the airport.

Screening measures are also enhanced and implemented at Mandalay International Airport.

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: What Is It?

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted to people from animals, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person to person.

In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.

Although Nipah virus has caused only a few known outbreaks in Asia, it infects a wide range of animals and causes severe disease and death in people.

Nipah virus is infectious and can spread from animals like bats and pigs to humans through bodily fluids or contaminated food. It can also pass between people through close contact, especially in caregiving settings. While it can spread via respiratory droplets in enclosed spaces, it is not considered highly airborne and usually requires close, prolonged contact for transmission. Common routes include direct exposure to infected animals or their fluids, consuming contaminated fruits or date palm sap, and contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, or blood from an infected person.

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: What Are The Common Symptoms?

• Fever
• Headache
• Breathing difficulties
• Cough and sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Muscle pain and severe weakness

Measles Outbreak in Disneyland: Health officials in Orange County sounded alarmed after they confirmed a recent measles case in a child who visited Disneyland last week. The Orange County Health Care Agency said on Saturday that the child was an international traveler who arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The child then went to Disneyland on Wednesday and that is what became the potential exposure window.

As per the health authorities there could be two possibilities of getting the disease:

• Goofy’s Kitchen in Disneyland Hotel, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday
• Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, 12:30 p.m. to closing on Wednesday.

Health authorities said they are coordinating with Disneyland to contact employees who may have been exposed to measles. According to Orange County health officials, visitors present at the theme park during the identified period could develop symptoms between seven and 21 days after exposure.

Measles Spreads Easily, Experts Warn

Dr Danielle Curitore, a pediatrician at St Joseph Heritage Providence, explained NBC Los Angeles that measles is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets.

“Very similar to these respiratory viruses, but even more so because it can be in a close setting and if that person with measles sneezes or coughs and transmits some respiratory droplets, you are exposed,” she said. “And that room that they’ve been in is also contagious for at least two hours after they left.”

Measles Outbreak In Disneyland: Vaccination Remains The Strongest Protection

Doctors emphasize that individuals who have received the measles vaccine, particularly the recommended two doses, are generally well protected against the disease. Those who have not been vaccinated face a significantly higher risk of infection.

Read: Measles Elimination Status In The US Is ‘Not Really’ At Risk, CDC Says As Cases Surge

“Your best protection is to be vaccinated, so if you’ve been vaccinated against measles and you’ve received your two doses of measles vaccine at any point, those are usually given in childhood but you do continue to be immune as you get older,” Dr Curitore added.

New Measles Cases Reported In Southern California

Health officials have confirmed at least five new measles cases in Southern California, prompting renewed warnings and surveillance. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to limit further spread and identify potential exposure chains.

What Is Measles?

Measles, also known as rubeola, is an extremely contagious viral illness that typically causes high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that begins on the face and spreads downward across the body. It spreads through respiratory droplets and can lead to severe and sometimes fatal complications, including pneumonia and inflammation of the brain known as encephalitis.

Although it is preventable through the safe and effective MMR vaccine, measles remains a serious threat in many regions. There is no specific cure, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Measles Outbreak In Disneyland: Common Symptoms To Watch For

Experts say measles symptoms often begin with signs similar to a common cold, including cough, congestion, and high fever. Some patients may also develop conjunctivitis.

“Sometimes it just starts out like the common cold cough congestion: high fever sometimes conjunctivitis can be part of it,” Dr Curitore said. “Then day three to five, you get that very classic measles rash, which usually starts on the face, center of the body.”