The Chinese government is spraying insecticides and deploying drones to combat insects. CNN reported this.
The highest number of cases has been recorded in the city of Foshan. This is being assessed as the largest outbreak of dengue fever in China's history. The disease manifests with fever and joint pain.
"Notably, dengue fever had never been recorded before in mainland China. This indicates that the majority of the population lacks prior immunity, which allows the virus to spread rapidly," said a scientist from Oxford University.
Heavy rainfall and high temperatures have further complicated the situation in China. Officials are using drones to identify stagnant water where mosquitoes lay eggs. Authorities have warned that individuals who fail to empty outdoor water containers may face fines. Residents can be fined up to 10,000 yuan (1,400 dollars) and have their electricity cut off.
Residents are using nets and other means to protect themselves from mosquitoes. Patients infected with the virus are hospitalized for at least a week.
Initially, a two-week home quarantine was imposed due to the virus, but it was later canceled as the disease was found not to be contagious between humans.
