Chikungunya fever detected, believed to be locally transmitted
By Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 17 January 2008 1336 hrs

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SINGAPORE: A new strain of viral disease called chikungunya, which is transmitted in the same way as dengue fever by aedes mosquitoes, has been detected in Singapore.

The Ministry of Health said the first case was reported on Monday.

Investigations revealed that the patient, a 27-year-old foreign national residing on Clive Street, had contracted it locally as the person has not travelled out of Singapore for several months.

All previous cases of chikungunya reported in Singapore were contracted overseas.

Following the report, the Health Ministry together with the National Environment Agency's (NEA's) Environmental Health Institute have begun to screen persons living or working in the Clive Street area.

So far, investigations have found five other persons with chikungunya fever. They have been sent to the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital for further medical assessment and two have been admitted for isolation.

The Health Ministry is continuing with its screening of residents and workers in the Clive Street area for chikungunya fever.

The NEA is also conducting intensive mosquito control operations in the area and will extend it to cover the Little India enclave over the next few days.

Residents and premises owners have been asked to check their premises daily to remove any stagnant water that may breed mosquitoes.

The Health Ministry said chikungunya fever, like dengue fever, is a mosquito-borne disease and the best way to prevent chikungunya fever is to take precautionary measures to prevent mosquito breeding.

Persons infected with chikungunya fever should stay indoors to reduce the risk of further transmission of the virus.

The disease is characterised by sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pain with or without swelling, and low back pain. Some patients may develop a rash affecting their bodies and limbs.

Most symptoms last for three to ten days, but joint pains may last for weeks to months.

Outbreaks have occurred in recent years in Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Indian Ocean islands.

The Health Ministry has requested residents or individuals who work in the affected area to provide relevant information to Health Ministry officers who are currently carrying out epidemiological investigations.

Those who have been in the Clive Street area recently and have developed a fever are advised to consult their doctors. - CNA/ac