Chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne viral illness, is currently experiencing a notable outbreak in Guangdong, China, with over 4,000 cases reported as of late July.

The chikungunya virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. (Credit: Foto Mao)

The disease, caused by the chikungunya virus and transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, typically results in a sudden high fever, severe joint pain, and rash. While most patients recover in about a week, many experience lingering joint discomfort for weeks or months, and vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses face an increased risk of rare complications.

Chikungunya is not transmitted directly from person to person. Instead, it spreads rapidly in regions with high temperatures and humidity—conditions that promote mosquito breeding. Its symptoms often overlap with those of dengue and Zika, making accurate diagnosis more challenging and highlighting the urgent need for precise detection tools.

Taking proactive measures is key to controlling the spread. Regularly eliminating standing water, using screens and repellents, wearing light-colored long sleeves, and monitoring the health of travelers from endemic areas all help to limit transmission.

Amid this public health challenge, BGI Group has become one of the major forces in the fight against chikungunya in China. As a leader in high-throughput genetic sequencing, BGI has developed a comprehensive, precise approach to chikungunya prevention and control, based on both PCR and high-throughput sequencing technologies. This approach covers three key areas: screening, diagnosis, and monitoring.

BGI’s proprietary high-throughput sequencing platforms allow for rapid and accurate detection of the chikungunya virus. This capability is critical for early warning, especially in the context of outbreaks where time is of the essence. By integrating detection with early warning and intervention, BGI’s “testing-early warning-intervention” closed-loop solution helps block the transmission chain and enables public health authorities to respond swiftly and effectively.

During the current chikungunya outbreak, multiple disease control centers and customs authorities across China have adopted BGI’s sequencing solutions for viral genome analysis. This not only enables fast identification and confirmation of cases but also helps track the evolution and spread of the virus. Such genetic surveillance is essential for informing targeted public health responses and allocating resources where they are most needed.

BGI’s high-throughput gene testing technology has become an important tool for the identification and control of vector-borne viruses. Its platform-based, standardized, and scalable detection services are strengthening China’s public health system, supporting rapid clinical diagnosis, and enabling more precise interventions.

The deployment of BGI’s solutions during this outbreak demonstrates the growing importance of advanced genetic detection in managing infectious disease threats. As mosquitoes continue to pose a threat each summer, BGI Group’s commitment to high-throughput sequencing and precision detection is playing a key role in safeguarding public health and controlling future epidemics.