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.

Also Read: RFK Jr Pulls 500 Million Funds From mRNA Vaccine Projects, Says The Focus Will Be Shifted To 'Traditional' Vaccines

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.

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

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.

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.”

Cancer is not just a medical diagnosis, it is also a deeply personal journey towards recovering. Ever story is different, every experience and struggle of cancer patients is different. This is why the theme of World Cancer Day 2025-2027 is 'United By Unique'.

Every year on February 4, World Cancer Day is observed to raise awareness among the population about cancer. The day also aims to encourage prompt detection and prevention and support global initiatives to reduce the cancer burden.

World Cancer Day 2026: Origin

For the first time, World Cancer Day was celebrated on February 4, 2000 at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium which was held in Paris.

The Charter of Paris Against Cancer signed by global leaders and the Union for International Cancer Control established this day to be officially known as Cancer Day to promote research, prevent cancer, and improve patient services.

World Cancer Day 2026: Theme

The theme 'United by Unique' is part of the three year long campaign from 2025 to 2027 that highlights that every cancer journey is unique. However, the theme highlights that despite this uniqueness, care could be promoted by staying united and to decrease inequalities. It also focuses on person centered care, compassion and seeing the person before the patient.

The campaign of World Cancer Day notes: "People-centred care is an approach that focuses on the needs, values, and active participation of individuals, families, and communities in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of care. This approach represents a fundamental shift in how health and cancer services are designed and delivered, placing those impacted by cancer at the heart of health systems."

World Cancer Day 2026: Significance

World Cancer Day plays a vital role in promoting awareness among population. It also brings attention to early detection and initiates discussions about the symptoms that people may have missed which later turned out to be cancer. Furthermore, this day also helps people fight the stigma and misinformation around cancer.

The impact this day made last year was great. As per the World Cancer Organization Report, in 2025, 900 activities around cancer were conducted in 102 countries. Over 600 people shared their stories in different forms, including texts, videos, art, and more. The campaign reached over nine million engagement, with six billion impressions.

World Cancer Day 2026: What Is Happening In India?

India is witnessing a sharp rise in its cancer burden, with recent reports highlighting a steady year-on-year increase in new cases. Experts link this surge to a mix of modern lifestyle changes, widespread tobacco consumption, environmental exposure, and limited access to early screening in several regions. Estimates from the National Cancer Registry Programme place the lifetime risk of developing cancer in India at roughly 11 per cent, though this risk varies significantly across different states and populations.

In metropolitan hubs such as Delhi, as well as in states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, the number of newly reported cancer cases has climbed into the hundreds of thousands. This trend reflects not only a genuine rise in incidence but also improved diagnostic systems and reporting mechanisms that are helping identify cases more accurately.

Tobacco-related cancers continue to account for a substantial share of cases, particularly among men. At the same time, shifting lifestyle patterns, urban pollution, and environmental hazards are contributing to the broader increase in cancer rates across the country.

India’s cancer response framework includes preventive strategies such as awareness drives, early screening programmes, and vaccination initiatives like the HPV vaccine to reduce cervical cancer risk. Despite these efforts, significant gaps remain in terms of healthcare access, early diagnosis, and public awareness, which continue to challenge effective cancer control nationwide.