Update Of Chikungunya Fever

13 Aug 2008

Update on Kranji Way Cluster

1. The Ministry of Health (MOH) was notified of two cases of chikungunya fever involving two foreign workers (48-year-old Indian and 34-year-old Chinese National). The Indian worker works and resides at a site in Kranji Way while the Chinese worker had recently travelled to Kranji Way on several occasions. The two cases have no recent history of travel overseas prior to their onset of illness. The total number of cases linked to Kranji Way currently stands at 30.

Update on Chikungunya Cases

2. MOH was notified of three new cases of chikungunya fever. The first case involved a 42-year-old contractor who stays at Yishun Ave 5. He developed symptoms on 26 Jul 08, sought outpatient treatment and has since recovered.  He has no recent history of travel overseas and his movement was largely confined to his residence and work places. MOH has conducted active case detection among his 3 household contacts. None was tested positive for chikungunya virus.

3. The second case involved a 20-year-old accounts assistant who stays at Hougang Street 22. He developed symptoms on 5 Aug 08 and was subsequently admitted to hospital on 7 Aug 08. He has since recovered. He has no recent history of travel overseas and his movement was largely confined to his residence and work place. MOH has conducted active case detection among his 3 household contacts. None was tested positive for chikungunya virus.

4. The third case involved a foreign worker (31-year-old Bangladesh) working at Sungei Kadut St 6 and residing at Sungei Kadut St 1. He developed symptoms on 3 Aug 08 and was subsequently admitted to hospital on 6 Aug 08. He has no recent history of travel overseas and his movement was largely confined to his residence and work place. MOH has conducted active case detection among his household contacts and co-workers. A total of 124 samples were collected and none was positive for the chikungunya virus.

5. To date, a total of 103 cases of chikungunya fever were notified to MOH in 2008. Of these cases, 49 were imported cases with history of travel to Johor (39 cases), Malacca (2 cases), Indonesia (4 cases), Sri Lanka (2 cases), India (2 cases). There have been 11 incidents from which 54 local cases  have arisen.

Ministry’s Advice to the Public

6. The Ministry advises persons who have travelled to Kranji Way recently and develop symptoms of chikungunya which include fever, joint pain and rashes to consult their doctors immediately.

7. 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 the breeding of mosquitoes. Persons infected with chikungunya fever should be isolated from further mosquitoes bites so as to reduce the risk of further transmission of the virus.

8. Chikungunya outbreaks continued to be reported in our region such as Malaysia (Johor, Malacca, Negri Sembilan and Perak), Indonesia and India. Therefore, the risk of imported cases leading to local transmission remains unabated.

9. Persons travelling overseas are thus advised to take precautionary measures to protect themselves, remain vigilant and seek prompt medical treatment upon their return if they are unwell and developed symptoms of chikungunya which include fever, joint pain and rashes.

Ministry of Health

13 August 2008