Update Of Chikungunya Fever Cluster At Kranji Way(1)

08 Aug 2008

Update on Kranji Way Cluster

1. The Ministry of Health (MOH) was notified of eight additional cases of chikungunya fever involving six foreign workers[1]  and two locals[2]working at Kranji Way. Five of the foreign workers are working and residing at the site in Kranji Way, while the remaining worker commutes daily from Malaysia to work. The total number of cases linked to Kranji Way currently stands at 28.

2. 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 28 premises have been inspected in the Kranji Way area and a total of 16 premises were found breeding the Aedes mosquito. Outdoor and indoor fogging of insecticide has been 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 two new cases of chikungunya fever. The first case involved a 27-year-old housewife who stays at Woodland Street 81. She developed symptoms on 4 Aug 08, sought outpatient treatment at a medical clinic and has since recovered.  She has no recent history of travel overseas and her movement was largely confined to her residence and nearby places. MOH has conducted active case detection among her 7 household contacts. None was tested positive for chikungunya virus.

4.The second case involved a foreign worker (40-year-old Chinese national) who works and resides at Sungei Kadut Street 1. He developed symptoms on 4 Aug 08 and was admitted to CDC on 7 Aug 08. He has no recent history of travel overseas and his movement was largely confined to his workplace and nearby places. MOH has conducted active case detection among his 38 co-workers at his workplace. None was tested positive for chikungunya virus.

5. NEA is carrying out vector control operations in the premises around the cases’ residence, including the common and public areas. Areas where the cases frequented are also being inspected for mosquito breeding. So far, 5 premises in the vicinity of the case residing at Woodlands St 81 were found breeding the Aedes mosquito. NEA’s checks in the respective areas are continuing.

6. To date, a total of 95 cases of chikungunya fever were notified to MOH in 2008. Of these cases, 46 were imported cases with history of travel to Johor (36 cases), Malacca (2 cases), Indonesia (4 cases), Sri Lanka (2 cases), India (2 cases). There have been 9 incidents from which 49 local cases[3]have arisen.

Ministry’s Advice to the Public

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Chikungunya outbreaks have been reported in our region such as Malaysia (Johor, Malacca, Negri Sembilan and Perak), Indonesia and India. Therefore, we have to remain vigilant to the risk of imported cases leading to local transmission.

10. 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.

8 August 2008

Ministry of Health

National Environment Agency

[1](Two Bangladeshis [28-year-old, 32-year-old], Three Indians [2 are 30-year-old, 39-year-old] and One 29-year-oldMalaysian)

[2]40-year-old and 29-year-old locals.

[3]28 from Kranji Way,13 from the Little India, 2 from the Teachers Housing Estate cluster, 1 from Farrer Road, 1 from Jalan Jelita, 1 from Herford Road, 1 from Miltonia Close, 1 from Woodland St 81, and 1 from Sungei Kadut.