China reports 38 cases of obscure mosquito-borne disease

China reports 38 cases of mosquito-borne disease

BEIJING — China says at least 38 people in the southern part of the country have been infected with a mosquito-borne virus that causes an illness similar to dengue fever.

This is thought to be China’s largest-ever outbreak of the chikungunya virus, which can cause fevers, joint pain, headaches and rashes.

Another 166 cases are suspected in the city of Dongguan, a major manufacturing center, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency.

The report cites the Guangdong province health department as saying all patients are in stable condition, and a spokeswoman for the World Health Organization in Beijing says so far the cases seem to be mild.

Chikungunya is common in Africa and Asia but has showed up in rare cases in Europe in recent years.