A fast spreading virus in China has left thousands sick. One Chinese province has turned to giant insects and killer fish to stop the spread in its tracks. The alarming outbreak of Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne infection, has caused the US’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a Level 2 travel alert.

The alert advises those planning to visit China to practice enhanced precautions due to the significant outbreak. More than 7,000 cases of the chikungunya virus have been reported in the coastal Guangdong area in July alone, with the city of Foshan hit the hardest. Here, patients have been hospitalised and are sleeping under mosquito nets, according to photos from CCTV, the state-run broadcaster.

In Foshan thousands of larvae-eating fish have been released into lakes to try to cull mosquito numbers.

Some neighbouring cities had ordered travellers from Foshan to undergo a 14-day home quarantine, but that has since been withdrawn.

The speed of the outbreak has sounded alarms with nearly 3,000 cases reported in the last week alone. Aside from Foshan, at least 12 other cities in Guangdong have reportedly confirmed cases.

Chinese authorities said an “imported case triggered local transmission” in July but did not specify where the infection originated.

This is despite the virus not being contagious and only transmitted via the bite of an infected mosquito. Although officials say that the cases have been mild so far, with 95% of patients being discharged within a week, the outbreak has put local health facilities under extreme strain.

“Decisive and forceful measures” have been put in place by Guangdong authorities, according to reports, with anyone suffereing from a fever, joint pain or raches ordered to get tested.

Residents have been told to remove stagnant water from their homes – and a heavy fine introduced for anyone who ignores the guidance.

On Sunday, Hong Kong reported its first case – a 12-year-old boy who had travelled to Foshan and later developed a fever, rash, and joint pain.

What is chikungunya?

Most people bitten by an infected mosquito will develop symptoms of chikungunya within three to seven days.

Common symptoms include: fever, joint pain, rash, headache, muscle pain and swollen joints.

In most cases, those infected will feel better within a week. However, in extreme cases lingering joint pain can last for months or even years.