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.

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.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology saved millions during the COVID-19 pandemic. It brought unprecedented speed, precision, and adaptability that allowed shots from Pfizer and Moderna to roll out in record time. Now, that same platform is at a crossroads: scientists are leveraging its power to develop vaccines and therapies for everything from cancer to cystic fibrosis. But this week, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—a vocal critic of vaccines—announced the cancellation of $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine research targeting respiratory illnesses, igniting fierce backlash among public health leaders.

In a video posted to X on August 5, RFK Jr. revealed that BARDA (the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority) would terminate 22 mRNA vaccine projects and shift focus toward whole-virus vaccine platforms. He argued mRNA technology was “ineffective” against mutable respiratory viruses and claimed it posed more risks than benefits—a stance sharply criticized by public health experts.

Experts have been unified in raising concerns, calling the move a “huge strategic misstep,” warning it weakens the U.S. pandemic defense and labeling it “one of the most dangerous decisions in public health” that he’d ever seen. The shift, critics say, undermines preparedness and sacrifices the adaptability that made mRNA a global game-changer.

How mRNA Vaccines Works?

Traditional vaccines typically rely on growing whole viruses or viral proteins in eggs or cell cultures, a process that can take months—sometimes up to 18 months—to produce sufficient doses for global inoculation. mRNA bypasses this bottleneck by delivering synthetic messenger RNA into cells, instructing them to produce a harmless viral protein. This trains the immune system to recognize and fight the real virus.

The “m” in mRNA stands for “messenger,” reflecting how the molecule carries instructions. Researchers craft a synthetic snippet in the lab, inject it, and the body becomes its own vaccine factory. This rapid, flexible process gives scientists both speed and precision unmatched by older methods.

How mRNA Help Build Effective COVID Vaccines?

Protection from mRNA vaccines—and all vaccines, really—wanes over time. That’s due to waning immunity and virus mutations. Still, the strongest defense remains prevention of hospitalization and death. The advantage of mRNA lies in how quickly vaccines can be updated. This capability helps scientists stay a step ahead of viral drift, especially for flu and COVID variants.

mRNA isn’t just for stopping infections—it’s a Trojan horse for therapies against existing diseases. Scientists are testing mRNA-based therapeutic vaccines for cancers like pancreatic and melanoma. They’re also designing inhaled mRNA treatments for genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis. Unlike traditional approaches, these therapies aim to teach the body to restore missing proteins or directly activate immune systems to eliminate abnormal cells.

Could mRNA Cure Cancer Too?

Some of the most compelling work is happening in personalized oncology. Researchers can now sequence a patient’s tumor mutations and design mRNA that encodes those unique markers—training the immune system to attack only the cancerous cells. Moderna’s mRNA‑4157/V940, paired with pembrolizumab in melanoma trials, has shown improved recurrence-free survival. BioNTech similarly uses personalized neoantigen panels to reduce relapse.

Why Future Pandemic Preparedness Hinges on mRNA?

Take flu pandemics, for example. Traditional egg-based production takes more than a year to scale—and may only reach 25% of the world’s population. mRNA platforms, however, could vaccinate nearly everyone in a similar timeframe. That speed is critical if the next pandemic emerges. Cutting off mRNA infrastructure now risks prolonging future crises.

From a policy standpoint, mRNA is not just another vaccine method—it’s a strategic asset. When new viruses emerge or existing ones mutate, response speed matters more than strength. Waiting months—or worse, years—to catch up can cost lives. Michael Osterholm and others note that global mRNA capacity could avert prolonged pandemics. Shifting resources away from it now diminishes that capability.

But it’s more than pandemic preparedness. mRNA’s adaptability has ignited a renaissance in RNA biology—from tumor vaccines to genetic therapies. Pulling back research support risks stalling a new generation of treatments already in motion. This isn’t just about one technology; it’s about whether the U.S. wants to lead—or fall behind—in a platform that’s shaping modern medicine.

Will COVID-19 Vaccines Still Be Accessible?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines will still be accessible despite the recent decision to cut funding for future mRNA research projects. The mRNA-based vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are already approved by the FDA and continue to be manufactured and distributed widely across the U.S. These vaccines have become a mainstay in the country’s public health strategy, and that’s not going away any time soon.

The announcement from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to cancel nearly $500 million in federal research funding impacts new and developing mRNA projects—not the existing COVID-19 vaccine programs already in place. The vaccines currently in circulation are produced by private pharmaceutical companies, and they aren’t dependent on government funding to continue manufacturing or distributing updated boosters.

Additionally, global pharmaceutical efforts to develop next-generation mRNA vaccines are still in motion. Many companies are continuing to explore and invest in mRNA platforms for not only COVID-19 but also for flu, RSV, and other infectious diseases. So while Kennedy’s move may slow down innovation in the U.S. public sector, it does not mean COVID-19 vaccines will disappear or suddenly become inaccessible.

In short, if you’re wondering whether you’ll still be able to get your annual COVID booster—yes, you will.

When it comes to your gut health, you don’t think about it much unless something goes wrong but since COVID-19, a lot more of us are concerned and worried about our gut. Doctors and researchers are now linking the virus to a surge in gut issues—and it goes far beyond a one-off stomach bug. If your digestive system feels off these days—maybe tired, unpredictable, or mysteriously unsettled—you’re not imagining it.

Here’s what researchers have uncovered: COVID-19, especially in its lingering long-COVID form, is rewriting how our gut and brain talk to each other. And that rewrite is showing up as real-world distress—in symptoms like IBS and functional dyspepsia that left pre-pandemic experts baffled.

A recent international study—reported in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology—used the Rome Foundation’s diagnostic criteria to compare two snapshots: one from 2017 and another from 2023. The result was a hard wake-up call:

• Gut‑brain disorders rose from 38.3% to 42.6%
• IBS jumped 28% (from 4.7% to 6%)
• Functional dyspepsia surged 44% (from 8.3% to 11.9%)

And people with long COVID reported more severe gut symptoms alongside heightened anxiety and depression. This isn’t just more awareness; it’s a measurable shift.

Why These Gut-Brain Disorders Are More Than Just Stomach Upsets?

These aren’t bland digestive symptoms. IBS and functional dyspepsia fall under disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI): an umbrella term that says our gut reacts not just to food—but to stress, mood, infection, and inflammation. That gut-brain axis is a two-way street connecting digestion, emotion, and immunity. When COVID-19 enters the picture, it seems to throw that entire system off balance.

Why Did A Respiratory Illness Affect the Gut?

When we talk about COVID-19, we normally picture a cough or sore throat—but GI symptoms have always been part of the story. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain—they’re not rare. Some patients experienced these as first or only symptoms. And for a significant number, those symptoms don’t resolve. One study found people who had COVID were 36% more likely than uninfected peers to develop GI disorders—ranging from ulcers and pancreatitis to IBS and acid reflux.

For those who were hospitalized, or who had more severe cases, the long-term risks jumped even further. A large Veterans Affairs cohort reported substantially higher GI risks—not just in the first year, but for at least three years post-infection.

How Long COVID and Gut Distress Linger On?

We often talk about long COVID in terms of fatigue or brain fog. But in many cases, chronic gut issues are front and center—months or even years after the infection. Nausea, stomach pain, altered digestion (like unexpected diarrhea or constipation): these symptoms persist, even when the initial respiratory illness has passed. This persistence may come down to a few intertwined issues:

Viral Persistence – COVID can linger quietly in gut cells

Chronic Inflammation – triggering heightened gut sensitivity

Microbiome Disruption – an imbalance of gut bacteria that affects digestion and mood

How Anxiety, Depression Are Also Affecting Your Gut?

Here’s a pattern worth noting, people with DGBIs often report anxiety and depression—and vice versa. The emotional distress isn’t a side effect—it may be part of the same conversation happening along the gut-brain axis. Research shows that anxiety can actually increase the risk of functional dyspepsia eightfold. After COVID, this link seems even stronger.

This isn’t about turning normal people into patients. It’s about recognizing that when COVID hits the gut, it can leave a footprint long afterward. It’s about listening to your body and knowing when something is more than just “stress.”

If you still have gut symptoms after recovering from COVID, you owe it to yourself to explore them—especially if anxiety or depression have joined the mix. A thoughtful medical workup is key, but so is understanding that many GI specialists now see these symptoms as part of chronic long COVID.

How To Heal the Gut Post-COVID?

There’s no one-size-fits-all cure for post-COVID gut issues, but experts in GI health and gut-brain disorders are recommending a few key approaches. First, focus on diet and microbiome care: eating more high-fiber foods, incorporating prebiotics, staying well-hydrated, and cutting back on alcohol and red meat can help restore microbial balance. Next, address the mind-body connection—stress, anxiety, and gut dysfunction often fuel each other, so practices like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or meditation can play a critical role in breaking that cycle. And finally, don’t hesitate to seek clinical support. If your symptoms persist, it’s important to speak with a GI specialist who understands the complexities of long COVID, and, if needed, get connected to programs or researchers focused on gut-brain rehabilitation.

COVID changed how we think about viruses—and what they leave behind. It rewrote the narrative for our lungs, yes, but it also turned the gut into a frontline survivor. If your digestion hasn’t felt the same since then, you're not alone and you're not imagining it.

A newborn baby girl from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, is battling a rare and dangerous tick-borne illness. After preliminary tests showed she contracted Powassan virus, baby Lily Sisco was flown to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The infant's mother, Tiffany Sisco, said Lily had a tick on her after a brief walk on a local bike path. "She is still fighting daily at MGH," Sisco shared on Facebook. "Although the CDC, Neurological Doctors and Nurses have no answers for long term, we remain hopeful."

Reports state that local health officials are now investigating this case, which would be only the second confirmed case of Powassan virus on Martha's Vineyard in two decades.

What Is Powassan Virus?

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services explains that powassan virus is a rare but serious illness spread to humans through the bite of an infected deer tick (also known as a black-legged tick). While uncommon, cases are most frequently found in the northeastern U.S. and the Great Lakes region. In Wisconsin, the first case was identified in 2003, and most have since occurred in the northern part of the state. Anyone can contract the virus, but those who spend more time outdoors are at higher risk.

Who Is At High Risk For Powassan Virus Infection?

Ticks become infected with the virus by biting an infected small mammal, like a rodent. It's not known exactly how long a tick must be attached to a person to transmit the virus, but it could be as little as 15 minutes.

The majority of human infections are caused by immature ticks called nymphs, which are about the size of a poppy seed and difficult to spot. Nymphs are most active during the spring and early summer. Adult ticks can also spread the virus but are larger and more likely to be found and removed before transmission occurs.

Because ticks can attach to any part of the body, it's crucial to check hard-to-see areas after being outdoors, such as behind the knees, in the armpits, on the scalp, and around the ears and groin.

Symptoms and Treatment Options For Powassan

Symptoms can appear anywhere from one week to one month after a tick bite. Many people who get the virus don't have any symptoms at all. Early signs often include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and a stiff neck. In severe cases, the virus can lead to:

• Confusion
• Seizures
• Memory loss
• Loss of coordination
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)

Is Powassan Virus Deadly?

Powassan virus can be very serious, with about 10% of severe cases resulting in death. Of those who survive a severe illness, about half will have permanent or long-term neurological problems. If you experience any of these symptoms after being outdoors, you should see a doctor right away, even if you don't remember being bitten by a tick.

Ways That Can Protect And Prevent Tick-Borne Disease

This has been a bad year for ticks. To stay safe, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health gives this advice:

• Use bug spray.
• Wear long, light-colored clothes.
• Stay on paths when you are outside.
• Check yourself, your kids, and your pets for ticks after you've been in a grassy or wooded area.