Malaysia Chikungunya

[Gert van der Hoek]

36 Confirmed Chikungunya Cases In Ipoh


IPOH, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- Chikungunya, a rare mosquito-borne disease, has struck Perak again -- this time detected in 36 people in this city from December last year.

However, the disease has been brought under control through various measures, and the people need not panic, State Health, Science, Technology and Environment Committee Chairman Datuk Tan Chin Meng said today.

He said the Perak Health Department had taken samples of blood from 47 people and 36 of them were confirmed to have the viral disease, which is not life-threatening.

The disease, which causes fever, severe headache and pain in the joints, had struck a village in Pantai Remis early last year.

Tan said the virus had been brought to Malaysia by Malaysians who had visited India where it was present in several states including Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

He said most of the cases were detected at sites where used goods are sold, and investigations showed that the virus was brought back from India by the workers there who travelled to that country often.

http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=240396&cat=nt

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

Chikungunya under control

10 Jan 2007

PUTRAJAYA: An outbreak of Chikungunya in Ipoh last month was confined to a small area where those affected had been to India, where the virus is endemic.

Thirty people had tested positive and all were Indians, both local and Indian nationals. There were no fatalities.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said those who had required treatment had gone to hospital and although they were not under quarantine, the spread of the virus had been controlled through quick action in seeking treatment.

"The situation is under control so there is no need to sensationalise the news," he said yesterday after attending the ground-breaking ceremony of the National Cancer Institute here.

Chikungunya is not endemic in Malaysia, but is reportedly making a comeback in parts of India.

It has similar symptoms as dengue fever, such as fever, headache, fatigue, nausea vomiting, rashes and muscle pain, but also causes severe pain in the joints.

"The virus affected those who had visited India. Some of them are Indian nationals working here. This is the risk of having foreign workers. It is an imported disease."

It was reported that health authorities here had issued a red alert after two Malaysians came down with the disease in Ipoh last month upon returning from Tamil Nadu.

They were admitted to the Ipoh Specialist Hospital on Dec 11. Another, an Indian national, was admitted on Dec 22.

There is no vaccine to fight the infection.

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Wednesday/National/20070110093823/Article/local1_html

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

36 Confirmed Chikungunya Cases In Ipoh


IPOH, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- Chikungunya, a rare mosquito-borne disease, has struck Perak again -- this time detected in 36 people in this city from December last year.

However, the disease has been brought under control through various measures, and the people need not panic, State Health, Science, Technology and Environment Committee Chairman Datuk Tan Chin Meng said today.

He said the Perak Health Department had taken samples of blood from 47 people and 36 of them were confirmed to have the viral disease, which is not life-threatening.

The disease, which causes fever, severe headache and pain in the joints, had struck a village in Pantai Remis early last year.

Tan said the virus had been brought to Malaysia by Malaysians who had visited India where it was present in several states including Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

He said most of the cases were detected at sites where used goods are sold, and investigations showed that the virus was brought back from India by the workers there who travelled to that country often.

http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=240396&cat=nt

 

[Laidback Al]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

22 new cases of chikungunya fever reported in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Health Ministry Friday said that 22 new cases of mosquito-borne chikungunya fever have been reported since the last update on Sept. 5, bringing the total number to 200 cases this year.

The ministry said half of the 22 new cases were imported and the victims had a history of traveling to Malaysia.

Of the 11 local cases, two are part of a new cluster, seven are linked to existing clusters, while the remaining two are isolated cases that occurred in separate locations. The National Environment Agency continues to conduct checks in those areas to eradicate mosquito breeding sites. The health ministry has advised people who develop symptoms of chikungunya -- which include fever, joint pain and rashes -- to consult their doctors immediately.

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[Shiloh]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/NewsBreak/20080919141314/Article/index_html

More chikungunya, fewer dengue cases
BERNAMA:

KUALA LUMPUR, FRI:

A total of 150 chikungunya cases were reported in the country between Sept 7 and 13, an increase of 26 cases from the previous week.

A statement issued by the Health Ministry today states that 11 localities are still being monitored this week and that the cases reported during that week were in Johor, Melaka, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

So far, the cumulative number of cases reported nationwide are 1,975 with most of them in Johor (1,098), followed by Melaka (471), Perak (193), Negeri Sembilan (124), 40 each in Selangor and Pahang, four each in Kelantan and Putrajaya, Sarawak (two) and one each in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

The public are advised to take precautionary measures to avoid being infected by the disease, which is spread through Aedes mosquito bites.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the the ministry?s Disease Control Director, Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said a total of 837 cases of dengue fever, including three deaths, were reported during the same week.
This, he said, was a drop of 1.5 per cent or 13 cases from those reported the previous week, which was 850 cases.

He said inspections by the ministry revealed that 80 per cent of the premises found to be breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes were residential buildings and shops.

He attributed the lackadaisical attitude of the owners in keeping the surrounding of their premises clean as the main factor for the breeding of the Aedes mosquitoes.

Inspections also show that construction sites, factories, empty land lots and garbage dumps are notorious breedings grounds, he said.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/National/2360244/Article/index_html

2008/09/26

28 Chikungunya cases in Pahang

KUANTAN: Twenty-eight confirmed cases of Chikungunya fever have been detected in three districts of Pahang since Aug 2.

The highest number of cases was in Maran, where 12 people tested positive, out of 18 suspected or clinically diagnosed cases.

Bera reported 10 out of 22 suspected cases and Bentong, six out 138.

Another four people were suspected to have contracted the mosquito-borne disease in Rompin, but their blood samples were negative.

All the cases were recorded after the first case was reported in Bentong.

State health director Datuk Dr Rosnah Ismail, who confirmed the cases, said the outbreaks were under control as no new cases were reported in the past few days.

She said the Health Department had also launched a campaign to create awareness of Chikungunya by distributing pamphlets and giving talks at hospitals and public clinics.

"Those who show symptoms of Chikungunya, namely fever, poliathrithis (joint pain) and rashes, should seek treatment at a government clinic or hospital as soon as possible."

She said the public should give priority to cleanliness at homes and offices, and destroy potential breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes.

The Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, usually by Aedes albopictus, a relative of the Aedes aegypti that carries the dengue virus.

There is no known cure or vaccine for the disease, but patients usually recover on their own within seven to 14 days.

The disease is believed to have originated in Africa, and gets its name from a Swahili word.

When translated, it means "that which bends up" because its arthritic-like symptoms would leave the victims stooped.

In Seremban, the state Health Department said it would conduct blood tests on 16 residents of Kampung Akar, Mantin, near here, who were suspected to have contracted Chikungunya.

Health director Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the tests would be done at Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital.

"Most of them have received treatment at private clinics and are in stable condition.

"However, we will still do the blood tests to get the correct diagnosis," he said yesterday.

He said checks by health officers at the village found some places to be active breeding grounds for mos-quitoes.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/10/24/nation/2366289&sec=nation

Friday October 24, 2008
Unreported Chikungunya cases

OHOR BARU: The 1,675 Chikungunya cases reported state-wide could only be half the actual number of cases.

Johor Health Department director Dr Mohd Khairi Yakub said he believed the number could be more as there was a lack of information sharing by private clinics and hospitals with the health department.

?I am not ruling out the possibility as unlike dengue fever, there is no law to compel private hospitals and clinics to report Chikungunya cases,? he told The Star here yesterday.J

Dr Mohd Khairi appealed to clinics and hospitals to keep the department informed of Chikungunya cases for it to take the necessary action, including fogging the affected areas.

?It is their moral duty as this involves public health,? he said, adding that preventive measures would help stop the spread of the fever. Dr Mohd Khairi said the department had also sent out medical teams state-wide to check on the outbreak, reportedly cause by the Aedes mosquito.

He hoped doctors could provide accurate information, especially on the number of patients treated and where they stay and work.

He added that the worst hit district in the state was Johor Baru, followed by Kluang and Muar. Dr Mohd Khairi advised those with high fever, rashes and joint pains not to panic but seek treatment at the nearest clinic.

?The way to curb the spread of this fever is to reduce the breeding ground of mosquitoes. The public must keep their homes and work places clean and not rely on fogging alone,? he said.

He urged anyone with any enquiries or wishes to report on the cases to contact the department hotline at 07-234-2393.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/11/10/southneast/2469829&sec=southneast

Monday November 10, 2008
Health ministry keeping a tab on virus

MALACCA: Some 516 people had come down with the Chikungunya virus beginning this year till Oct 18.

State Women?s Affairs, Family Development and Health committee chairman Norpipah Abdol said that the virus was detected only in June where infections peaked before tapering off by early Oct.

Of the total, she said that 226 cases were detected in Melaka Tengah, 63 in Alor Gajah and 272 in Jasin.

The epidemic was first discovered by the Health Ministry in Johor early this year before it spread to the entire state and Negeri Sembilan.

It was detected here in Jasin district in June this year where it later spread to Melaka Tengah and Alor Gajah districts, she said when replying to a question raised by Betty Chew (DAP-Kota Laksamana) during the state legislative assembly sitting on state budget recently. She denied the oppositions claim that the health authorities were slow in carrying out fogging operations in affected areas during the dengue menace.

She said that some of the victims had gone to private hospitals and clinics to seek treatment and information with regards to it took some time to reach the health authorities.

She said the authorities here had taken steps to overcome the menace including placing posters and banners throughout the state to educate members of the public.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/National/2429310/Article/index_html

2008/12/16
Five more chikungunya victims bring total to 32

SUNGAI PETANI: The number of residents of Kampung Baru Sung-kap Para affected by the chikungunya outbreak has increased to 32.
State Health director Datuk Dr Hasnah Ismail said five more villagers (three men and two women) were admitted to Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital on Sunday.

They were admitted after they were found to have fever, joint pains and rashes, which are symptoms of chikungunya.

All 32 patients have been transferred to Sungai Petani Hospital near the Kuala Muda District Health Department here.

"The transfer of the patients to the old hospital will enable our medical staff to continue to monitor and conduct checks on the victims.
"I would like to stress that all patients are in a stable condition."

She said at the moment, the health department had only received reports on chikungunya from residents of Kampung Baru Sungkap Para here.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/National/2430132/Article/index_html

2008/12/17
Disease hits second village

SUNGAI PETANI: After affecting 32 residents from Kampung Baru Sungkap Para, here, the chikungunya outbreak has spread to another village.
Two villagers from Kampung Batu Lima, Jalan Jeniang, Gurun, near here, were admitted to Yan Hospital, in Yan, after they developed symptoms of chikungunya.

State Health deputy director Dr Shahidan Hashim said the two victims were warded on Monday after they were found suffering from fever, joint pains and rashes on their bodies.

This brings the number of victims of the chikungunya outbreak in the state to 34.

"We have despatched medical officers to the newly affected village to check on other residents," added Dr Shahidan.
He said 29 of the 32 villagers from Kampung Baru Sungkap Para were still undergoing treatment at Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

Source: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=379091

December 18, 2008 01:16 AM

4,000 Suspected Chikungunya Cases Detected Nationwide

KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry has detected about 4,000 suspected Chikungunya cases nationwide this year, Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said Wednesday.

He said the disease which was first detected in Johor had spread to Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Perak, Selangor and the latest Kedah.

"So far, the Chikungunya disease is still under control nationwide," he told reporters after visiting Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital here. Present was Terengganu Health Director Dr Nordiyanah Hassan.

Liow said that so far, there was no specific medicine to treat the Chikungunya fever disease spread by aedes mosquito. "So, I would like to call on the public to be careful particularly during the wet season now because aedes mosquito is easy to breed," he said.

To contain the spread of the disease, he said, the ministry had taken several measures including intensifying the campaign to rid of aedes mosquito and holding lectures on the outbreak.

He said the disease was first detected to have spread to Malaysia from Africa in 1997.

Meanwhile, he said 63 health projects costing RM458 million had been approved for implementation in Terengganu under the Ninth Malaysia Plan and some had started.

-- BERNAMA

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/National/2432190/Article/index_html

2008/12/19
158 chikungunya cases last week

PUTRAJAYA: Some 158 chikungunya cases were detected last week, bringing the total number so far this year to 3,864.
Of the number, 873 were admitted to hospitals while the remaining received out-patient treatment.

Health Ministry Disease Control Division director Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said 79 per cent of the cases were detected through serology tests.

Kelantan had the highest number of recent cases (38), followed by Kedah (34), Perak (31), Johor (23), Selangor (18), Pahang (seven), Federal Territory (three), Negri Sembilan (two) and one each in Perlis and Malacca.

Dr Hasan also said vector control activities had been planned for 31,786 households throughout the whole of last week. However, only 7,012 houses or 22 per cent had been covered so far.

He also said 294 compound notices had been issued so far.

For dengue cases, he said 1,155 cases had been reported to the ministry last week.

The number had been reduced by nine per cent compared with the previous week.

Some of the states that showed an increase were Perak, Terengganu and Kelantan.

He said two deaths were reported in Selangor and Terengganu, bringing the total number of deaths so far this year to 100.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/Frontpage/20081221162522/Article/index_html

2008/12/21
Chikungunya on the rise in Kedah
Bernama

ALOR STAR, KEDAH, SUN:

Kedah has recorded an increase in Chikungunya cases with 20 new cases detected yesterday, bringing the total to 77 cases compared to 57 on Friday.
State Deputy Director of Health (Public Health) Dr Shahidan Hashim said today two new cases were detected in Kampung Watt Padang Peliang in the Pendang district and 18 in the Kuala Muda district.

?The Kuala Muda district had the highest number of new cases, with two each in Kampung Pegawai and Kampung Sekawan, four in Kampung Perak, five in Kampung Kuala Sungkap and five in other villages,? he said in a statement.

Dr Shahidan said the number of patients warded had increased to 31, including 12 at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital in Sungai Petani.

?Two patients each are being treated at the Baling and Kulim hospitals, three at the Jitra Hospital, five at the Yan Hospital and seven at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital here,? he said.

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

Dengue And Chikungunya Cases Drop

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Dengue cases from Feb 8-14 registered a drop to 1,134 from 1,232 cases the previous week.

States which registered drops were Selangor, Perak, the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Penang, Kelantan, Pahang, Melaka, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan and Perlis.

In a statement, Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican however said Johor, Kedah, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan showed a jump in cases.

He said in the same period 37 so-called 'hot spots' were not under control compared to 39 the previous week.

In that period four new 'hot spots' were identified and they were Taman Jasmin in Kajang, Persiaran Bukit Raja in Klang, the Valencia Apartment in Section 25 Shah Alam and Pusat Bandar Puchong.

Meanwhile, six 'hot spot' localities all in Selangor were categorised as dengue-free. They are Taman Sri Gombak, Padang Jawa B, Kampung Laksamana, Section U10 Puncak Perdana, Taman Pinggiran Batu Caves and Seksyen 16 Bandar Baru Bangi Zon 5.

Till now Selangor continued to have the most number of 'hot spots' at 31 followed by Kuala Lumpur (five) and Sarawak (one).

Mohd Ismail said in the same period the number of Chikungunya cases also registered a drop from 109 a week earlier to 86 cases.

"Although there are drops the dengue and Chikungunya situation is still uncertain and as such all quarters must continue to intensify prevention and control activities to reduce hot spots," he said.

http://web7.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=391022

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Malaysia Chikungunya

May 10, 2009 20:46 PM

Four Suspected Chikungunya Cases In Pendang

ALOR SETAR, May 10 (Bernama) -- Four people said to be suffering from a mysterious illness are suspected of having contracted chikungunya.

Kedah Health Department director Datuk Dr Hasnah Ismail said the victims were from Kampung Bendang Raja, Kampung Perupuk, Kampung Banggol and Kampung Charok Tok Min in the Pendang district.

She said the viral disease was suspected of also having infected several residents in the Padang Terap and Kota Setar districts.

"Health teams had been sent to the affected villages to investigate the reports received, with four people said to be suffering from a mysterious illness suspected of contracting chikungunya," she said in a media statement today.

Chikungunya was first detected in Pokok Sena, Kedah in March this year when more than 200 people were affected by the symptoms.

Dr Hasnah urged the public to cooperate in stamping the disease by ensuring cleanliness of their surroundings and destroying all mosquito breeding grounds, while the Health Department would carry out fogging.

http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=410123&cat=nt