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'?

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.

Vanishing Twin Syndrome: The former Love Island contestant Olivia Bowen has recently shared a pregnancy update, following her post about her struggles to grapple with the reality that she will no longer be having twins, but just one healthy young baby.

Within a few weeks of her sharing her twin pregnancy with her fans, she followed up with another post where she broke the devastating news of finding only one baby in the womb.

In the caption she said, “The crazy sickness, the biggest surprise of our lives finding out we were having twins, imagining our lives with two new babies, then the complete heartache of dealing with vanishing twin syndrome & losing one of our babies”.

However, as devastating as the news may be, it is important to note that this is a more common occurrence than people realize. The National Institute of Health, US, statistics show that half of the pregnancies with three gestational sacs go through it and 36% of twin pregnancies also experience this. But what exactly is Vanishing Twin Syndrome?

What Is Vanishing Twin Syndrome?

According to the American Pregnancy Association vanishing twin syndrome was first recognized in 1945. It's what happens when one of two or more babies in a pregnancy dies in the womb. The other twin, the placenta, or the mother's body then absorbs the dead baby's tissue. This makes it look like one of the babies has "vanished."

Thanks to early ultrasounds, doctors can now spot this more often. It's believed that vanishing twin syndrome happens in about 21-30% of pregnancies with more than one baby.

Causes and Signs of Vanishing Twin Syndrome

Most of the time, doctors don't know exactly why vanishing twin syndrome happens. However, they've found that the baby who is lost often had chromosomal problems, while the surviving twin is usually healthy. It seems these problems are there from the very beginning of the pregnancy. Another possible cause is that the umbilical cord didn't attach correctly. The signs of a possible vanishing twin syndrome usually happen early in the first trimester. They can include:

• Bleeding
• Cramping in the uterus
• Pain in the pelvis
• Research shows that this syndrome is more common in women over the age of 30.

How Does The Vanishing Twin Syndrome Affect The Mother And Baby?

If a twin is lost in the first three months of pregnancy, the surviving baby and the mother are usually fine. The living twin's chances of being healthy are very good.

If a twin is lost in the second or third trimester, there can be more risks for the surviving baby, including a higher chance of developing cerebral palsy. In these cases, the dead twin's body can get flattened by the pressure of the growing, healthy twin. At birth, doctors might find this flattened twin, which they call fetus compressus or fetus papyraceous.

How Do You Diagnosis Vanishing Twin Syndrome?

In the past, doctors could only figure out if a twin had died by looking at the placenta after the baby was born. Now, an early ultrasound can show twins in the first trimester. A later ultrasound might then show that one of the babies is no longer there. For example, a woman might see two heartbeats at 7 weeks but only one at her next visit.

If a twin is lost in the first trimester, no special medical care is usually needed for the mother or the surviving baby. However, if the death happens in the second or third trimester, the pregnancy may be treated as high-risk.

If you are pregnant and experience bleeding, cramping, or pelvic pain, you should see a doctor. An ultrasound will help them determine if a fetus is still viable before considering any procedures.

Walking Dead famed actress Kelley Mack has passed away at the age of 33 on Saturday at her birthplace of Cincinnati. Her demise was confirmed by a social media post by her sister, who mentioned, "It is with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear Kelley. Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go."

As per Deadline, the actress was battling with glioma of the central nervous system. She had also posted her health update battling the same, and shared how her radiation therapy had been going.

What Is Glioma?

As per the Johns Hopkins Medicine, glioma is a common type of tumor originating in the brain. About 33% of all brain tumors are gliomas, which originate n the glial cells that surround and support neurons in the brains, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells.

Gliomas are called intra-axial brain tumors because they grow within the substance of the brain and often mix with normal brain tissue.

Types Of Glioma

Astrocytomas: Astrocytomas are tumors that form in glial cells, specifically from connective tissue cells called astrocytes. They are the most common type of primary intra-axial brain tumor, making up almost half of all primary brain tumors. These tumors are most often found in the cerebrum, the large outer part of the brain, but they can also occur in the cerebellum, located at the base of the brain.

Astrocytomas can affect both children and adults. In children, low-grade astrocytomas, known as pilocytic astrocytomas, are typically found in the cerebellum. In adults, these tumors are more commonly located in the cerebrum. The most aggressive form of astrocytoma is glioblastoma multiforme, a high-grade tumor that is considered the most malignant of all brain tumors. Its symptoms are often similar to those seen with other types of gliomas.

Brain stem gliomas: Brain stem gliomas, also known as diffuse infiltrating brainstem gliomas or DIPGs, are rare and usually found in the brain stem. Due to their location and the way they grow by blending into normal brain tissue, they are generally not removable by surgery. These tumors most often affect school-age children and are responsible for the highest number of childhood deaths from primary brain tumors.

Ependymomas: Ependymomas develop from ependymal cells, which line the brain’s ventricles or the spinal cord. Although they are rare, making up just 2 to 3 percent of primary brain tumors, they account for 8 to 10 percent of brain tumors in children, especially those younger than 10. In children, these tumors are usually found near the cerebellum, where they may block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and lead to increased pressure in the skull. Ependymomas can also spread to other areas of the brain or spinal cord through spinal fluid, a process known as drop metastasis.

Mixed gliomas: Mixed gliomas, also called oligoastrocytomas, contain more than one type of glial cell. There is some debate over whether these tumors should be classified as a separate type, and genetic testing of tumor tissue is often used to clarify the diagnosis. These tumors usually occur in the cerebrum and are most common in adult men.

Oligodendrogliomas : Oligodendrogliomas form from oligodendrocytes, the supportive cells in the brain, and are usually located in the cerebrum. They make up about 2 to 4 percent of primary brain tumors and are more common in men, especially those in young to middle adulthood. Seizures are a frequent symptom, affecting up to 80 percent of patients, along with headaches, weakness, or speech problems. Oligodendrogliomas tend to have a better prognosis than many other gliomas.

Optic pathway gliomas: Optic pathway gliomas are low-grade tumors found in the optic nerve or optic chiasm. These tumors often affect people with neurofibromatosis and can lead to vision loss and hormone-related problems, especially since they tend to grow at the base of the brain, near areas responsible for hormone control. When these tumors impact hormone function, they may be referred to as hypothalamic gliomas.

What Are The Symptoms?

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Personality changes
• Weakness in the arms, face or legs
• Numbness
• Problems with speech
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision loss
• Dizziness

In the southern Chinese city of Foshan, a determined public health campaign is underway to stop the spread of chikungunya, reports the New York Times. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus that has infected around 8,000 people in just four weeks. The outbreak, which began in early July, is the largest the country has faced since the virus was first detected in China in 2008.

Chikungunya, transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, the same species responsible for dengue and Zika, is not usually fatal. But it causes severe joint pain, fever, rash, and fatigue, and in some cases, the joint pain can persist for months. The outbreak has prompted both local and global concern, leading to drastic containment measures in China and a fresh travel advisory from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Full-Scale Mosquito Offensive

Chinese authorities have launched an aggressive, multi-pronged strategy to reduce mosquito populations in Foshan. Soldiers in masks are fogging parks, alleys, and streets with insecticide, while drones sweep overhead to locate stagnant water where mosquitoes may breed. In ponds and stagnant water bodies, officials have introduced thousands of mosquito-eating fish.

Scientists have also deployed “elephant mosquitoes,” whose larvae feed on the larvae of virus-carrying mosquitoes, reports the New York Times. These biological weapons are being used alongside conventional chemical and community efforts to stem the outbreak’s spread.

Officials are treating the outbreak with the same urgency seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing from the country’s experience with strict containment protocols.

Residents Ordered to Comply

Foshan’s 10 million residents are now part of what the government calls a “patriotic public health campaign.” Community workers in red vests go door-to-door to inspect homes, issue orders to remove standing water, and apply mosquito repellent to residents entering buildings. Any refusal to cooperate can result in fines or, in severe cases, criminal charges.

According to reports on RedNote, a Chinese social media platform, at least five households have had their electricity cut for failing to comply. Some residents claim workers entered their homes without consent, removed potted plants, and even destroyed personal items.

The measures echo memories of the "zero COVID" strategy, which included mass lockdowns and surveillance, and are stirring frustration among some residents.

Isolation Wards and Surveillance

Those infected with chikungunya are being sent to designated hospital wards, where they remain behind mosquito nets to avoid further spread. Some patients reported being forced to isolate at their own expense, even if symptoms were mild.

The virus spreads when a mosquito bites an infected person and then bites someone else, making isolation of patients a key step in containment. Skyscrapers in Foshan now display reminders to burn mosquito coils, cover water containers, and screen windows.

Authorities have also begun tracking purchases of medications commonly used for fever and joint pain, raising concerns over surveillance and data privacy.

Heat and Climate: A Dangerous Mix

Climate experts point out that rising global temperatures and increased rainfall have created the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. “You don’t need a lake to breed mosquitoes. Even a bottle cap with water can do,” said Ren Chao, a professor at the University of Hong Kong studying climate-linked disease transmission in cities, as reported by New York Times.

Governor Wang Weizhong of Guangdong Province has called for all hands on deck, instructing officials and residents alike to check rooftops, gardens, and containers for stagnant water.

A Familiar Strategy, With Consequences

The response, while swift and comprehensive, is reminiscent of older state-led mobilization campaigns, including the "Four Pests" movement of the 1950s that backfired by eliminating sparrows and triggering locust infestations. Experts like Yanzhong Huang of the Council on Foreign Relations told the New York Times, that the Mao-era mass mobilization style could lead to unintended consequences.

“The campaign is very similar in tone to what we’ve seen during COVID and earlier public health drives. While effective in the short term, they can also cause fear and overreach,” Huang said.

CDC Warns Travelers: Protect Against Mosquito Bites

In response to the growing number of cases, the U.S. CDC has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Guangdong Province, urging travelers to take precautions. Pregnant travelers are advised to reconsider visiting the region, as chikungunya can be passed from mother to baby during delivery, potentially leading to severe outcomes.

Preventive steps include using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and staying in air-conditioned or screened accommodations. The CDC also recommends vaccination for those planning to visit outbreak zones. Two vaccines—IXCHIQ (a live-attenuated vaccine for adults 18+) and VIMKUNYA (a virus-like particle vaccine for people 12 and older)—are approved in the U.S., though not yet available in China.

Healthcare professionals have been advised not to administer IXCHIQ to individuals over 60 years due to recent reports of serious cardiac and neurological side effects. Discussions around vaccination should take into account a person’s age, health, and travel plans.

Spillover to Nearby Regions

While Foshan remains the epicenter, chikungunya cases have also been detected in at least 12 other cities in Guangdong and even in nearby Hunan Province. A few cases have also emerged in Macau and Hong Kong, heightening regional alertness.

The World Health Organization, too, has flagged chikungunya as a rising global threat, noting over 240,000 infections and 90 related deaths this year, mostly in South America.