Update of Chikungunya Fever Cluster at Kranji Way

06 Aug 2008

Update on Kranji Way Cluster

1. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is carrying out active case detection at and around the site in Kranji Way arising from the latest cluster of 3 chikungunya cases reported on 2 August. So far, our blood screening of 282 workers as of 5 August has detected 17 PCR-positive cases.  These 17 cases have been admitted for isolation and treatment in the Communicable Diseases Centre (CDC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). The total number of cases linked to Kranji Way currently stands at  20. Epidemiological investigations are still on-going, however, preliminary investigations indicate that the Kranji Way cluster is due to local transmission.

2. Since the notification of the first 3 cases, NEA officers have been conducting intensive mosquito control operations within the vicinity of the cases’ 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 for all the premises checked. This intensive operation to seek out and remove any mosquito breeding habitats will continue. Residents and premises owners in the vicinity of Kranji Way have all been advised to check their premises daily to remove any stagnant water that may breed mosquitoes.

Update on Chikungunya Cases

3. MOH was notified of a new case of chikungunya fever involving a technician (25-year-old Chinese national) who stays at Miltonia Close. He developed symptoms on 18 July and was admitted to hospital from 19-23 July. His movement history was largely confined to his residence and workplace at Marsiling Industrial Estate. MOH has conducted active case detection among his 10 household contacts. None tested positive for chikungunya virus. NEA also checked 105 premises around the case’s residence and one premise was found breeding the Aedes mosquito. The check was extended to the 23 factories at Marsiling Industrial Estate and breeding was found in one factory.  Vector control operation is still ongoing.

4. Besides the cluster in Kranji Way (20 cases), to date, a total of 54 confirmed cases of chikungunya fever were notified to MOH in 2008 – 19 were local cases and 35 were imported cases.

Ministry’s Advice to the Public

5. 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.

6. There have been reports of chikungunya outbreaks in our region such as India, Indonesia, and Malaysia (Johor, Perak). Persons travelling overseas are advised to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical treatment if they are unwell and develop symptoms of chikungunya.

6 August 2008

Ministry of Health

National Environment Agency