An outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus in southern China has led to a pandemic-style response as authorities try to contain the spread.

According to the World Health Organisation, CHIKV disease onset is typically four to eight days long following the bite of an infected mosquito. It can be identified with the sudden onset of fever, along with serious joint pain, which usually lasts for a number of days.

An outbreak of the chikungunya virus has seen over 7,000 cases reported, primarily in the manufacturing hub of Foshan, China. The mosquito-borne virus causes fever and joint pain, similar to dengue fever, with the young, elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions most vulnerable.