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SINGAPORE : 18 new cases of chikungunya infection have been reported in Singapore, bringing the total number of cases to 54 this year.
One of them - a 25-year-old Chinese national - was infected locally. It is believed that the technician, who resides at Miltonia Close in Yishun, caught the virus around the area or at his workplace.
Authorities said a mosquito breeding spot was found near his home, while another was found near his workplace in a factory at the Marsiling Industrial Estate.
The man developed symptoms on July 18 and was admitted to a hospital from July 19-23. Fortunately, none of his 10 housemates caught the virus.
Separately, 17 others have tested positive for chikungunya. They are believed to be linked to the Kranji Way cluster where three cases were reported earlier, on August 2.
These 17 cases have been admitted for isolation and treatment in the Communicable Diseases Centre at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
The total number of cases linked to Kranji Way currently stands at 20. Preliminary investigations indicate that the Kranji Way cluster is due to local transmission.
Since the notification of the first three cases, NEA officers have been conducting intensive mosquito control operations within the vicinity of the victims' workplace and residences, and the areas that they frequent.
More than 23 premises have been inspected in the Kranji Way area and a total of 15 premises were found breeding the Aedes mosquito.
Outdoor and indoor fogging of insecticide is also being carried out at all the checked premises. Intensive operations to seek out and remove any mosquito breeding habitats will continue.
Residents and owners of premises in the vicinity of Kranji Way have all been advised to check their premises daily to remove any stagnant water that may breed mosquitoes.
Besides the cluster in Kranji Way, to date, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has been notified of a total of 54 confirmed cases of chikungunya fever. 19 were local cases and 35 were imported cases.
The MOH advises anyone who has travelled to Kranji Way recently and developed symptoms of chikungunya - which include fever, joint pain and rashes - to consult their doctors.
Singapore's Communicable Disease Centre said it is not surprised that more cases of chikungunya infection have surfaced, given the conducive environment for the disease to flourish here.
This includes the presence of the mosquito vector, low immunity to the virus, and mobility of the population, who may have ventured into areas where the disease is endemic.
However, there is one consolation - unlike the dengue which comes in four strains, chikungunya has only one.
"Having one dengue infection cannot protect the individual from the other three. Chikungunya has one serotype so you are likely to have the infection just once," said Associate Professor Leo Yee Sin, Clinical Director of the Communicable Disease Centre at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Prof Leo said so far there has been no case of death in Singapore linked to chikungunya, possibly because most patients are still young and healthy. However, she cautioned that fatalities may happen if the elderly catch the virus.
She appealed to those who are infected to cooperate with the hospitals and be isolated to prevent further transmission.
Patients admitted to the Tan Tock Seng Hospital with the chikungunya virus will be placed at the Communicable Disease Centre, where they will be treated until their infective period is over.
Meanwhile, Mount Alvernia Hospital, where two patients with chikungunya were treated, said both patients are recovering well and will be discharged soon.
Prof Leo added that researchers are also looking out for people with dual infection - both dengue and chikungunya. There are concerns that the Aedes mosquito, which is the host of both viruses, may be able to spread both viruses at the same time.
There have been reports of chikungunya outbreaks in the region such as India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Persons travelling overseas are advised to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical treatment if they are unwell and develop symptoms of chikungunya. - CNA /ls
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