Confirmed Cases Exceed 4000! Zhang Wenhong: Humans Are Also a Source of Chikungunya Virus Transmission

The World Health Organization has issued a warning

that the chikungunya virus

is spreading across multiple regions worldwide,

with cases reported in 119 countries

and about 5.5 million people at risk of infection.

The latest domestic data shows

that Shunde and Nanhai districts in Foshan City

have reported a total of 4,014 confirmed cases.

Professor Zhang Wenhong highlighted for the first time

that humans can also serve as a source of transmission for the virus.


Chikungunya fever is an acute viral infection caused by the Chikungunya virus(CHIKV),which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.The disease is mainly characterized by fever,rash,and joint pain.


After infection,common symptoms include high fever,severe joint pain,and prolonged fatigue.About 40%of patients may experience lingering joint issues or functional limitations that last months or even years,and in rare cases,the disease can be fatal.

According to the latest report from Guangdong,as of July 24,five districts in Foshan City have reported over 4,000 confirmed cases,with Shunde District alone accounting for 3,627 cases,all of which were mild.

Cases of chikungunya fever have also been reported in Guangzhou,Yangjiang,Zhanjiang,and other regions.


Regarding domestic chikungunya virus infections,Professor Zhang Wenhong,Director of the National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases and Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Huashan Hospital,Fudan University,spoke publicly for the first time.

When estimating the virus’s transmission speed,the basic reproduction number(R₀)of chikungunya is generally around 2.However,in some regions,the R₀can reach 7,which is 2–3 times higher than that of dengue virus.

Professor Zhang noted,“China has not previously experienced large-scale outbreaks of imported chikungunya fever.Because the population lacks immunity to this virus,it is likely to spread faster than in other epidemic areas.”

Currently,Foshan has implemented mosquito control measures and isolation for infected patients.Zhang emphasized that humans can serve as a source of infection,transmitting the virus to mosquitoes,which can then infect other people.With modern transportation,the virus can“leapfrog”to new areas,carried by infected individuals to regions where mosquito vectors are present,expanding the epidemic range.

The key to preventing chikungunya fever is controlling mosquitoes and avoiding bites.At home,install window screens and use mosquito nets while sleeping.When outdoors,wear light-colored,long-sleeved clothing and pants,and apply insect repellent.


Additionally,boosting immunity can help defend against viral infection.

A healthy immune system can quickly recognize and combat the chikungunya virus,reducing the risk of infection.Even if infection occurs,a stronger immune system may lessen symptom severity and shorten the course of the illness.

Research shows that hydrogen-oxygen therapy can help combat viruses,protect and activate mitochondria,and enhance immune cell activity[1].



Studies also indicate that after two weeks of inhaling high-concentration hydrogen-oxygen gas,the number of immune cells in the blood increases significantly.Both NK cells(natural killer cells,which play a key role in immune defense)and T cells(which are essential for cellular immunity and immune regulation)show rapid growth under hydrogen-oxygen inhalation[2][3].


During the COVID-19 pandemic,Academician Zhong Nanshan and colleagues conducted a multicenter,open-label trial,which found that patients receiving hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas inhalation showed significant improvements in treatment outcomes[4].

In 2022,a joint clinical trial involving hospitals such as Ruijin Hospital,Zhongshan Hospital,and Huashan Hospital,led by professors including Qu Jieming,Zhang Wenhong,and Song Yuanlin,further confirmed the safety and efficacy of hydrogen-oxygen therapy as an adjunct treatment for COVID-19[5].

Although no specific studies have yet examined hydrogen-oxygen inhalation for chikungunya fever,based on its proven antiviral and immune-boosting effects,frequent hydrogen-oxygen inhalation is recommended as a supportive measure to enhance immunity and help resist viral infections.

References:

[1]Tyler W.LeBaron et al.Combating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in COVID-19 by Molecular Hydrogen Therapy:Mechanisms and Perspectives.Oxid Med Cell Longev.2021 Oct;Mechanisms and Perspectives.Oxid Med Cell Longev.2021 Oct;

[2]Akagi J and Baba H.Hydrogen gas restores exhausted CD8+T cells in patients with advanced colorectal cancer to improve prognosis.Oncol Rep,2019；

[3]Chen et al.“Real world survey”of hydrogen-controlled cancer:a follow-up report of 82 advanced cancer patients.Medical Gas Research,2019；

[4]Guan et al.In a recent multicenter,open-label clinical trial,inhalation of hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas improved disease severity and dyspnea in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019.Hydrogen/oxygen mixed gas inhalation improves disease severity and dyspnea in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 in a recent multicenter,open-label clinical trial.Journal of Thoracic Disease.2020;12(6):3448-3452.[5]Shi M M,Chen Y T,Wang X D,et al.The efficacy of hydrogen/oxygen therapy favored the recovery of omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant infection:results of a multicenter,randomized,controlled trial[J].Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition,2023:23-32.