China is facing a rare outbreak of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus, with more than 7,000 cases confirmed across Guangdong province since July.

Foshan city, the worst-hit area, has introduced strict measures: patients must remain in hospital for at least a week or until they test negative, with beds covered by mosquito nets to curb further spread.

The virus, which causes fever and severe joint pain that can last for years, is common in South and Southeast Asia and parts of Africa but rarely seen in China. Authorities are ramping up mosquito control efforts as health experts warn of the risk of wider transmission.