Singapore: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected

[Sally Furniss]

Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A new strain of viral disease called chikungunya, which is transmitted in the same way as dengue fever by Aedes mosquitoes, has been detected in Singapore, local media reported Thursday.

The first case was reported on Monday. The patient, a 27-year-old foreign national, had contracted it locally as he/she has not traveled out of the country for several months, local television Channel NewsAsia quoted Singapore's Ministry of Health as saying.

The report said all previous cases of chikungunya reported in Singapore were contracted overseas.

The government agencies have investigated the area the patient lives and have found five other persons with chikungunya fever, said the report.

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 mosquito breeding.

The disease is characterized by sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pain with or without swelling, and low back pain.

Outbreaks have occurred in recent years in Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Indian Ocean islands.

Singapore reported 8,826 cases of dengue fever last year, and 20 of them lost their lives. The death toll is not much lower than in 2005, when 25 were killed in the worst dengue fever.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/17/content_7439854.htm

 

[KBD]

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CHIKUNGUNYA FEVER CASES DETECTED AT CLIVE STREET


1 The Ministry of Health (MOH) has been notified of a case of chikungunya fever in a 27-year-old foreign national on 14 January 2008. Investigations revealed that this was likely a case of local transmission of chikungunya fever as he has not travelled out of Singapore for several months.

2 All previous cases of chikungunya reported in Singapore were imported i.e. the infection was contracted overseas. 10 cases of chikungunya fever were notified to MOH in 2007.


Chikungunya Fever

3 Chikungunya fever is an acute viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus. The disease is characterised by sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pain with or without swelling and low back pain. Some patients may develop a rash affecting the body and limbs. The illness is usually self-limiting. There is no specific treatment. Most symptoms lasts for 3-10 days but joint pains may last for weeks to months. It is transmitted in the same way as dengue fever by the same mosquito vector (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus).

4 The disease is found in many tropical countries. Outbreaks have occurred in recent years in Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia (e.g. India and Sri Lanka), and the Indian Ocean islands. Closer to home, outbreaks were also reported in Malaysia and Indonesia in 2006. Imported cases of chikungunya fever have also been reported in Europe, US, South America and Asia amongst travellers returning from chikungunya fever affected areas.


Situation in Singapore

5 Following the report on the above patient with chikungunya fever, MOH together with National Environment Agency (NEA)?s Environmental Health Institute, has begun to screen persons living or working in the Clive Street area where the patient resided. So far, investigations have found five other persons with chikungunya fever. They have been sent to the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital for further medical assessment and two have been admitted for isolation. MOH is continuing with its screening of residents and workers in the Clive Street area for chikungunya fever.

6 NEA is also conducting intensive mosquito control operations in the Clive Street area and will extend it to cover the Little India enclave over the next few days. All houses and shop premises are being checked for mosquito breeding habitats and treated with insecticides. Inspection of premises will carry on into the night. Residents and premises owners are advised to check their premises daily to remove any stagnant water that may breed mosquitoes. The Environmental Health Institute will continue to carry out laboratory tests to detect the presence of any chikungunya virus from samples collected from the Clive Street area.

7 Persons who have been in the Clive Street area recently and have developed a fever are advised to consult their doctors. 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 mosquito breeding. Persons infected with chikungunya fever should be isolated from further mosquitoes bites (by staying indoors and sleeping under a mosquito net during the first few days of illness) to reduce the risk of further transmission of the virus.

8 We would like to seek the cooperation of the public, in particular, residents or individuals who work in the affected area to provide relevant information to Health Officers from MOH who are currently carrying out epidemiological investigations. The MOH Health Officers may further require a blood sample so as to test for the presence of chikungunya infection.


MINISTRY OF HEALTH
17 JANUARY 2007

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

6 confirmed cases of chikungunya fever in Singapore

By Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 17 January 2008



SINGAPORE: There are currently six confirmed cases of chikungunya fever ? four of the patients have already been discharged, while two are still in hospital.

38-year-old G Vidwasekar, an Indian national from Tamil Nadu, had to be admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Communicable Disease Centre on Wednesday.

Just a day earlier, he had joined the Indian Harvest Festival celebrations, known as Pongal.

As he was returning to his hostel in Clive Street ? the same living quarters as the first chikungunya victim ? he experienced symptoms of the fever.

He said: "I got off the bus, but couldn't walk. My joints started to ache, then I bought panadol, ate it, had some sleep and I felt better after that."

Tan Tock Seng Hospital is making sure that patients get a good rest. They are also given medication to reduce pain as there is currently no specific treatment for chikungunya fever.

The National Environment Agency's Environment Health Institute has taken blood tests of 11 people in the same living quarters as Mr Vidwasekar.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/323243/1/.html

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

Six infected by Chikungunya virus in Singapore

17 Jan 2008 14:30:36 GMT

Source: Reuters

SINGAPORE, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Six people in Singapore have been infected by the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday.

"This is the first instance of local transmission of the disease. Previous cases were imported, where patients caught the virus overseas and brought it back to Singapore," a Ministry of Health spokeswoman told Reuters.

Two patients have been admitted to the isolation ward of the Communicable Disease Centre.

All six patients were living in close proximity to each other in the southeastern part of the city-state. "It's still a localised infection at the moment," she added.

The Ministry of Health has begun to screen people living or working in the same area.

Chikungunya fever, like dengue fever, is a mosquito-borne disease, characterised by sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, back pain, and sometimes a rash.

Most symptoms last for three to 10 days, but joint pains may last for weeks to months.

The Chikungunya virus was carried mostly by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It caused an epidemic that began in Kenya in 2004 and spread to several Indian Ocean islands including the Comoros, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Madagascar, Mayotte and Reunion.

On tiny Reunion Island alone, more than a third of the population -- 266,000 people -- were infected, and 260 died.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SIN179469.htm

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

Two more persons get chikungunya fever in Singapore


www.chinaview.cn 2008-01-18

SINGAPORE, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Two more persons were reported to catch a mosquito-borne, dengue-like disease named Chikungunya fever in Singapore, local media reported Friday.

This brought the total number of people infected with the virus to eight, according to local television Channel NewsAsia.

The Ministry of Health said both men had been sent to isolation wards at the Communicable Disease Center to prevent them from being bitten again by mosquitoes, which may spread the infection further.

On the previous day, the ministry announced that six foreign workers had contracted Chikungunya, and it seemed that they got it locally as they had not traveled out of the country for several months.

The tropical disease first appeared here in 2006, but all cases since then were imported ones.

The Health Ministry said all eight were living in the same area.

Of the eight, four have recovered. The rest are still under observation in the hospital.

Like the dengue virus, the Chikungunya virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito. The symptoms are similar for both, such as fever, joint pains, chills and nausea, and there is currently no vaccine or cure.

The first case of locally-transmitted Chikungunya fever in Singapore was reported on Monday.

Since then, the health and environment officials have swung into action to investigate how the outbreak here began, as well as stepped up search-and-destroy operations for mosquitoes in the area the eight men lives.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/18/content_7449419.htm

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

Nine probable cases of chikungunya fever detected as of Jan 20

SINGAPORE: Nine probable cases of chikungunya fever have been detected as of Sunday.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) said all nine were assessed at the Communicable Disease Centre at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and five of them remain in the hospital for isolation and management.

Eight of the probable cases are from the same section of Clive Street, while the ninth is from the nearby vicinity of Dickson Road.

The MOH said more than 800 people in the Clive Street area have been screened since the first case was detected on 14 January.

The NEA inspected more than 2,500 premises in Little India, and a total of 33 indoor breeding and 10 outdoor breeding sites were detected and destroyed.

Residents and premise owners have been advised to check their premises daily to remove any stagnant water that may breed mosquitoes.

Persons infected with chikungunya fever should stay indoors to reduce the risk of further transmission of the virus.

Those who have been in the Clive Street area recently and have developed a fever are advised to consult their doctors. -

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/323940/1/.html

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

Ten Chikungunya cases detected as of Wednesday

SINGAPORE: Another person has been infected with Chikungunya fever, bringing the total number of cases to ten so far.

The Ministry of Health said the latest case is a Singaporean with no recent travel history. But he works near Clive Street, the area where the cluster of cases was earlier detected.

All the cases were treated at the Communicable Disease Centre. Eight have been admitted for isolation and management. All but two have since been discharged.

The ministry and the National Environment Agency (NEA) have screened about 1,380 people from the Clive Street area since 14 January, and will continue the screenings on Thursday.

NEA has also inspected close to 2,800 premises in the area for mosquito breeding grounds, and a total of 59 breeding spots have been destroyed.

NEA will continue the operation until the virus threat is removed from the area.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/324516/1/.html

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

Re: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected in Singapore

Title : CDC director gets legal powers to detain, isolate chikungunya cases
By :
Date : 24 January 2008 0935 hrs (SST)
URL : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/324577/1/.html

SINGAPORE: It was a measure last invoked at the height of the SARS outbreak in 2003. And now, the authorities are again stepping up the fight against another foreign virus, by conferring legal powers on a high-ranking public health administrator to stem the spread of chikungunya fever.

TODAY has learnt that on Monday, the Government gazetted Communicable Diseases Centre clinical director Leo Yee Sin as a Health Officer, under the Infectious Diseases Act, from Jan 17 to July 16.

The appointment gives her the authority to order the detention or isolation of confirmed or suspected chikungunya cases.

She can also inspect and search any premises where a suspected outbreak has taken place and seize samples of any substances for laboratory tests, without the need for a warrant and "with such force as may be necessary".

A Ministry of Health (MOH) spokesperson said Associate Professor Leo's appointment would facilitate efforts "to ensure timely isolation or quarantine of these patients who pose a public health threat", given that such persons may object to being admitted to hospital.

Another suspected chikungunya case was announced yesterday ? the first Singaporean so far ? bringing the total to 10 since the first locally transmitted case was detected on Jan 14.

All had surfaced in the Clive Street area, where 1,380 people have been screened. And the National Environment Agency (NEA) is extending its eradication of mosquito sites beyond the area as a "preventive measure".

Why such measures for the chikungunya virus, given that its outbreak has been non-fatal and geographically limited here, and the global medical community has no conclusive proof that it can kill?

Not only is relatively little known about it, it also has no specific drug or vaccine. The Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN) is working with the NEA and MOH to develop a vaccine.

In the last three years, thousands worldwide have had the fever, pointing to a re-emergence of the disease on a possibly unprecedented scale. Citing a 2005 outbreak on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion that reportedly claimed 238 lives, SIgN's senior scientist Dr Lisa Ng said the disease "can become fatal" and MOH would "want to be as careful as possible".

Said Dr Ng: "As chikungunya is still very understudied, MOH would want to be as prepared as possible. You can't wait for a disease to be fatal before you take it seriously."

The MOH, however, said it has "no plans currently" to enact border screening for chikungunya, like the SARS crisis. It said Assoc Prof Leo's new powers will "only be for the period necessary to prevent and control the outbreak", and may be extended "when necessary". The outbreak is considered over only when no new cases are found within 24 days of the last one.

Assoc Prof Leo told TODAY the legal powers will aid her work on the ground, such as in handling patients and probing the source of the outbreak, "as we aim to remove viremic patients (those who have the virus circulating in their blood) from the source".

- snip -

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Singapore: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected

Singapore reports 11 chikungunya cases


www.chinaview.cn 2008-01-26

SINGAPORE, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- One more Singaporean has been hit by the mosquito-borne, dengue-like chikungunya fever here, bringing the total number of cases to 11 so far, local media reported Saturday.

Channel News Asia quoted the Health Ministry as saying that the latest case detected on Friday is a Singaporean with no recent travel history and who spent some time daily in the Little India area.

The first 10 cases of the tropical disease, which are all linked to the Clive Street area in Little India, are detected as locally transmitted.

Nine of the 11 cases were admitted at the Communicable Disease Center for isolation and management, said the report.

Persons infected with chikungunya fever should stay indoors to prevent from being bitten again by mosquitoes, which may spread the infection further.

Channel News Asia said that all have been discharged, except for two who are still under observation, including the latest case.

Since the first case was detected on Jan. 14, the authorities have screened 1,795 people within a 150-meter radius of the affected section.

Checks were later expanded to cover a larger area and the latest case had spent time within the extended screening area.

Like the dengue virus, the chikungunya virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito. The symptoms include fever, joint pains, chills and nausea.

Since there is currently no vaccine for the chikungunya fever, destroying mosquito breeding sites is an efficient way to prevent transmission.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/26/content_7500724.htm

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Singapore: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected

NEA working with more government agencies to control Chikungunya virus

By Margaret Perry, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 27 January 2008 1955 hrs

NEA working with more government agencies to control Chikungunya virus

SINGAPORE : The National Environment Agency (NEA) is working with more government agencies to prevent the Chikungunya virus from spreading.

NEA officers are clearing up Little India as fast as possible, says Environment and Water Resources Minister Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.

This will make it easier for PUB to flush the drains to prevent stagnant water - ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

Dr Yaacob says the Land Transport Authority and Urban Redevelopment Authority are also involved.

Nearly 1,800 people in the Clive Street area have volunteered for free Chikungunya virus tests.

But Dr Yaacob says compulsory health checks in affected areas are not necessary at the moment.

He says: "It is not an epidemic yet. It's not like SARS. Let's be candid. We will consider all options depending on development of the matter. We have not put everything aside, everything is on the table, we think things can be controlled at this point in time."

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/325270/1/.html

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Singapore: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected

Chikungunya virus ?hard to wipe out?

Published: Monday, 28 January, 2008,


Singapore: Health officials are no longer hopeful of stamping out the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus soon amid reluctance of some ?Little India? area occupants to obtain free blood tests and complaints about removing rain gutters, authorities said yesterday.

Eleven people including a Singaporean have been diagnosed with the disease. The others are foreign workers from India and Bangladesh.

Nearly 1,800 people have been screened for the virus since the first case surfaced in the area popular with Indians two weeks ago. While the mosquito-carrying dengue fever is endemic in the city-state, the outbreak is the first time chikungunya was not imported from elsewhere.

Associate Professor Leo Yee Sin, appointed health officer, has been granted the legal power to quarantine anyone suspected of being infected, search premises if an outbreak is suspected, and seize samples of any substances for tests without a warrant.

Spread by the Aedes mosquito, the name ?chikungunya? comes from Africa?s Swahili language. Symptoms are similar to dengue fever including joint pains, chills and nausea. There is no cure, but the disease is rarely fatal.

The National Environmental Agency has checked destroyed 63 breeding grounds and fogged the area repeatedly.

A check by The Sunday Times found some are not keen about the free tests when health experts inform them they are in a risk zone for an infectious disease.

Shop owner KS Oh, 42, said the test was not necessary because he keeps his premises clean. ?I haven?t been bitten; my shop is very clean,? he was quoted as saying. ?Besides, we?re busy; there?s no time.?

So far 1,795 people have been tested. The National Environment Agency is extending tests to people living beyond the precinct.

Rain gutters which are in poor condition and collet water where mosquitoes breed were also ordered to be removed. Owners who do not comply with removal orders could face fines of up to S$20,000.

?It?s so troublesome, YA Tan, a 73-year-old woman, said. ?I must pay for a contractor. If my neighbours remove, I will. If they don?t I won?t.?

Travellers to regions where the disease has been reported such as Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia were advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers outdoors and use insect repellent. ? DPA

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topi...=198316&version=1&template_id=45&parent_id=25

 

[drjagathv]

Re: Singapore: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected

Chikungunya virus ‘hard to wipe out’

Published: Monday, 28 January, 2008,


Singapore: Health officials are no longer hopeful of stamping out the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus soon amid reluctance of some “Little India” area occupants to obtain free blood tests and complaints about removing rain gutters, authorities said yesterday.

Eleven people including a Singaporean have been diagnosed with the disease. The others are foreign workers from India and Bangladesh.

Nearly 1,800 people have been screened for the virus since the first case surfaced in the area popular with Indians two weeks ago. While the mosquito-carrying dengue fever is endemic in the city-state, the outbreak is the first time chikungunya was not imported from elsewhere.

Associate Professor Leo Yee Sin, appointed health officer, has been granted the legal power to quarantine anyone suspected of being infected, search premises if an outbreak is suspected, and seize samples of any substances for tests without a warrant.

Spread by the Aedes mosquito, the name “chikungunya” comes from Africa’s Swahili language. Symptoms are similar to dengue fever including joint pains, chills and nausea. There is no cure, but the disease is rarely fatal.

The National Environmental Agency has checked destroyed 63 breeding grounds and fogged the area repeatedly.

A check by The Sunday Times found some are not keen about the free tests when health experts inform them they are in a risk zone for an infectious disease.

Shop owner KS Oh, 42, said the test was not necessary because he keeps his premises clean. “I haven’t been bitten; my shop is very clean,” he was quoted as saying. “Besides, we’re busy; there’s no time.”

So far 1,795 people have been tested. The National Environment Agency is extending tests to people living beyond the precinct.

Rain gutters which are in poor condition and collet water where mosquitoes breed were also ordered to be removed. Owners who do not comply with removal orders could face fines of up to S$20,000.

“It’s so troublesome, YA Tan, a 73-year-old woman, said. “I must pay for a contractor. If my neighbours remove, I will. If they don’t I won’t.”

Travellers to regions where the disease has been reported such as Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia were advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers outdoors and use insect repellent. – DPA


Furthermore, new cases reported in Hong Kong as well.

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topi...=198316&version=1&template_id=45&parent_id=25

First imported chikungunya fever case in 2008 in Hong Kong which involved a 34-year-old woman who visited Sri Lanka on Dec. 20 to Jan. 10.


There was an increase in number of cases detected in Sri Lanka in early 2008.

http://www.china.org.cn/english/health/241522.htm

Dr V W Jagath Vasanthathilaka
Consultant Rheumatologist. Kandy Sri Lanka.

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Singapore: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected

NEA fines 8 shop owners
They did not remove roof gutters, a prime mosquito habitat

IN the first such enforcement action taken since the chikungunya outbreak at Clive Street, eight shop owners in Little India have been fined by the National Environment Agency (NEA) for refusing to remove their roof gutters.
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Roof gutters are one of the major mosquito breeding habitats. So far, the NEA has issued 340 legal notices to property owners to remove them but only 180 have complied.
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If they refuse, a fine of $2,000 will be imposed for the first offence, followed by $4,000 and $5,000 for the second and third offences respectively, after which the matter would be taken to court.
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According to Mr Rajakumar Chandra, 49, chairman of the Little Indian Shopkeepers and Heritage Association, one reason for the delayed response from many retailers could be because they do not own the shophouses they occupy, and thus cannot make decisions about the removal.
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Tenants occupy 99 per cent of the more than 700 shop houses in Little India.
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These cases aside, however, cooperation between the NEA and shop occupants has been good.
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Said NEA chairman Simon Tay during a walkabout at Little India yesterday: "Most have responded but of course there are still people we need to talk to, and they are coming around."
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Mr Tay added that the NEA and the association had been distributing pamphlets on prevention tips to educate members of the public.
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To date, some 10,000 pamphlets in different languages including Bengali and Sinhala have been given out.
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As of Feb 1, there were 12 probable cases of chikungunya fever reported.
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The NEA has stepped up its inspections in Little India, with 4,700 conducted since the first notification.
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The number of NEA officers and pest control operators involved has also been boosted from 13 to 30. So far, 41 shop owners have been fined for mosquito breeding.
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Owner of Ananda Bhavan Restaurant Mr Nadarajan, 52, is going all the way to ensure that his four outlets ? he owns one unit and is renting the other three ? are kept clean.
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He sends his employees for hygiene courses, keeps his kitchen brightly lit and makes sure all unnecessary receptacles are discarded.
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"Although we were careful before the outbreak, we are now more vigilant. We don't want anything to affect our image," he said. Business, he added, had dipped by 5 per cent, which is better than during the Sars epidemic when it plunged by some 30 to 40 per cent.
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But not everyone has been so lucky ? according to Mr Rajakumar, business at Little India is still down by 50 per cent for some.

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/236249.asp

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: Singapore: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected

Fight against chikungunya targets roofs

<!-- headline one : end --> <!-- Author --> By Lee Hui Chieh


THE battle against the mosquito-borne, dengue-like disease, chikungunya, has hit the roofs.
Over the last 10 days, 340 shophouse owners in Little India have been told to remove damaged or poorly maintained roof gutters on their properties.
Of these, 180 have already done so, while eight others were fined $2,000 each for refusing to comply.
They could have been fined up to $20,000, or jailed up to three months.
The rest have asked for more time to remove their gutters, citing difficulties in engaging workers during the Chinese New Year season, the chairman of the National Environment Agency (NEA), Associate Professor Simon Tay, said on Tuesday during a tour of shops in Little India.
<!-- show media links starting at 7th para --> Prof Tay said that most of the shopkeepers have been cooperative, as they realised that 'the reputation of Little India is at stake', and the outbreak was affecting their businesses.
'We need that kind of ownership. We cannot inspect every single house, we really have to work with them to make sure that their housekeeping is better,' he added.
Roof gutters can collect rain water and breed the Aedes mosquito, which transmits chikungunya, as well as dengue.
Since the first case of chikungunya was reported on Jan 14, 11 others have been infected by the viral disease that causes symptoms similar to dengue, such as fever, joint pains and nausea.
Before this outbreak, all 13 previous cases had been infected overseas, and did not spread here.
Since Jan 14, the NEA has inspected more than 4,700 properties, and destroyed 75 mosquito breeding sites.



http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Singapore/STIStory_203790.html

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Singapore: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected

Singapore reports 13th chikungunya case


www.chinaview.cn 2008-02-06

SINGAPORE, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Singapore reported one more case of the mosquito-borne chikungunya fever, bringing the total number of the tropical disease to 13, local media reported Wednesday.

Local television Channel News Asia quoted the National Environment Agency and the Health Ministry as saying that the latest probable case was a Singaporean female who was admitted to hospital for suspected dengue fever on Jan. 16, and later was found to have chikungunya fever.

Since the first local-transmitted case was detected on Jan. 14,the government agencies have screened 2,626 people for the disease, and more than 4,800 inspections have been conducted, according to the report.

Like the dengue virus, the chikungunya virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito. The symptoms include fever, joint pains, chills and nausea.

Since there is currently no vaccine for the chikungunya fever, destroying mosquito breeding sites is an efficient way to prevent transmission.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/06/content_7578916.htm

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Chikungunya in Singapore

Re: Chikungunya in Singapore

Chikungunya fighters in Singapore breathe easy after 6 weeks

Lee Hui Chieh, Straits Times 22 Feb 08;

SINGAPORE'S first outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease chikungunya is over, health officials have declared.

Yesterday was the 24th day since the last person to catch the virus fell sick - a milestone that means the disease has likely been beaten.

Overall, 13 who lived or worked in Little India got the virus, which causes fever and joint pain but is rarely fatal.

The all-clear caps six frenzied weeks for health and environment officers, who targeted the centre of the outbreak, destroyed mosquito breeding grounds, took blood samples and handed out fines.

A spokesman for the National Environment Agency (NEA) said: 'We believe that through our close coordination, we were able to avert a potentially larger outbreak.'

The 24th day had been marked as the finish line because that is twice the disease's incubation period. Any new cases of the virus would have surfaced within that time.

While the battle against chikungunya has been won, the authorities cautioned yesterday that the disease could return.

The Health Ministry and the NEA said Singapore remains at risk as it is a popular stop with travellers from places where the disease has a foothold.

In fact, it was probably an infected traveller who sparked the outbreak, although health officers have not been able to identify this 'patient zero'.

Still, the end was met with relief from the health and environment officers who have been battling the outbreak.

One of them was Dr Tan Li Kiang, 34, a research scientist with the NEA's Environmental Health Institute (EHI). She said: 'We have been feeling 'jetlag'. I've been praying that there won't be any more new cases.'

The outbreak was uncovered when a 27-year-old Bangladeshi man turned up at a clinic at Upper Weld Road, off Clive Street, complaining of a high fever and body aches. A doctor sent the man's blood sample for testing and the result was positive for chikungunya.

Over the next three weeks, the Health Ministry sent 15 public health officers out to Clive Street to find others who might be infected. That was double the number of officers sent out on a regular day.

Doctors who usually did policy work helped collect blood samples from people who lived or worked in the area.

Officers, though, had trouble keeping tabs on people in Little India, which hosts many foreign workers and tourists.

Public health officer Han Hwi Kwang, 36, said: 'One day you took blood from people, but when you went back to the same place the next day, you realised, there's a whole new group.'

In the three weeks till Feb 4, they sent samples from 2,626 people to the EHI for testing.

There, seven research officers tested 400 to 500 blood samples daily. Seven others helped with labelling and paperwork.

They burned the midnight oil so the results could be out before the next morning in a bid to get those infected to hospital as soon as possible.

Dr Tan, who oversaw the testing, often worked from 9am to 2am daily in the first two weeks of the outbreak. The mother of a 20-month-old boy said: 'I didn't get to see my son awake for four days in a row.'

NEA sent 55 officers and 40 pest control operators to wipe out mosquitoes and breeding grounds in Little India.

In the last six weeks, they checked more than 5,500 properties, destroyed 78 breeding sites, and meted out fines of $100 to $200 to 43 people for allowing mosquitoes to breed.

The agency also issued 532 orders for the removal of roof gutters that had fallen into disrepair in Little India, of which 322 have been taken down.

Nine people have been fined $2,000 each for refusing to comply, while the rest have asked for more time to do so.

The EHI's head, Dr Ng Lee Ching said: 'I'm happy that everyone was prompt in their response to the outbreak.'

An official from the International Society for Infectious Diseases praised Singapore's effort as 'an outstanding example of detecting and then responding to the appearance of a disease new to an area'.

http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2008/02/chikungunya-fighters-in-singapore.html

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Singapore: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected

Singapore reports 17th chikungunya case
www.chinaview.cn 2008-05-08 21:59:54 Print

SINGAPORE, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Health Ministry confirmed the 17th case of the mosquito-borne chikungunya disease here on Thursday.

The ministry revealed that the latest victim was E. C. Sng, among the four new cases that caught the disease overseas recently.

Sng believed he caught the virus while playing golf at Jakarta's Jagorawi Golf and Country Club a month ago. His infectious period is now over.

Since the first local-transmitted case was detected on Jan. 14,so far 13 people have been infected locally while another four caught the virus overseas, the ministry said.

Its spokesman said: "The virus can be carried into Singapore and the presence of the Aedes mosquito means the threat will remain."

Like the dengue virus, the chikungunya virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent chikungunya fever, which is characterized by fever, joint pains, chills and nausea.

The ministry said the best way to prevent chikungunya fever is to take precautionary measures to prevent mosquito breeding around the house and to protect oneself against mosquito bites.

http://rss.xinhuanet.com/newsc/english/2008-05/08/content_8131903.htm

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Singapore: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected

Source: http://www.todayonline.com/articles/258582.asp

Singapore News // Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Teachers? Estate chikungunya-free

THE coast is clear ? at least for some residents of Teachers? Estate, the latest area where chikungunya surfaced.
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Blood tests conducted by the National Environment Agency (NEA) showed that 311 people working and living in the private housing estate located off Upper Thomson Road were free of the virus.
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The checks come after the Ministry of Health (MOH) was notified last week that two people living in the estate ? an 86-year-old retiree and a domestic helper from the same household ? had contracted the fever.
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It was the first time that locally contracted cases of chikungunya had been reported to the MOH outside the Little India area early this year.
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The MOH said 23 cases of chikungunya fever had been reported this year, with 15 of them contracted locally.
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To combat the disease, the NEA conducted intensive inspection and fogging operations over the weekend. It checked more than 170 homes and 18 cases of mosquito breeding were detected. It will continue to monitor the situation. ? SHERALYN TAY

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Singapore: Local transmitted chikungunya fever detected

Source: http://www.todayonline.com/articles/259309.asp
Friday, June 13, 2008

Chikungunya case at Farrer Road

THE chikungunya virus has cropped up in a new location.
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A case of the mosquito-borne disease has been reported at Farrer Road, coming about a week after two people in Teachers? Estate off Upper Thomson Road were found to carry the virus, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in an update yesterday. The Teachers? Estate cases were the first time that locally-contracted cases of chikungunya had been reported outside the Little India area this year.
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In the latest case, a 37-year-old expatriate housewife developed a fever and related symptoms on June 6 and sought treatment two days later. She was later warded and remains in hospital. Investigations showed that it was likely a case of local transmission, as she and her family had not travelled out of the country recently.
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The MOH conducted blood screening among members of her household and close friends; none tested positive for the virus. It added that there was hence no need for mass screening for now, given no evidence of further transmission.
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The National Environment Agency is carrying out inspection and fogging operations in the areas that the Farrer Road housewife has visited recently, while the MOH will continue to monitor the situation.
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A total of 24 cases of chikungunya fever have been reported so far this year. Including the Farrer Road infection, 16 of these were local cases, of which 13 were from the Little India cluster early this year.

 

[Sally Furniss]

Singapore: Chikungunya case detected in Holland area

Singapore: Chikungunya case detected in Holland area

Chikungunya case detected in Holland area

SIX weeks after the last case of locally transmitted chikungunya fever was detected, a 60-year-old housewife living in Jalan Jelita has become the 48th person here to come down with the infectious disease. .

She is believed to be a case of local transmission as she and her family have not travelled recently. .

While such cases are still in the minority ? 17 this year ? imported cases are on the rise. In the past six weeks, 23 imported cases of chikungunya were found, compared to the eight detected in the first half of the year.
The Health Ministry said there have been ?chikungunya outbreaks in our region such as India, Indonesia and Malaysia?, advising Singaporeans to consult a doctor if they experience fever and joint pains after travel. .

The housewife developed symptoms last Thursday and sought treatment the next day. Investigations show neither the housewife?s contacts nor nearby foreign construction workers have the virus. Over 83 premises have been inspected for mosquito breeding and three instances detected. Alicia Wong

SIX weeks after the last case of locally transmitted chikungunya fever was detected, a 60-year-old housewife living in Jalan Jelita has become the 48th person here to come down with the infectious disease. .
She is believed to be a case of local transmission as she and her family have not travelled recently.


While such cases are still in the minority ? 17 this year ? imported cases are on the rise. In the past six weeks, 23 imported cases of chikungunya were found, compared to the eight detected in the first half of the year. .

The Health Ministry said there have been ?chikungunya outbreaks in our region such as India, Indonesia and Malaysia?, advising Singaporeans to consult a doctor if they experience fever and joint pains after travel. .

The housewife developed symptoms last Thursday and sought treatment the next day. Investigations show neither the housewife?s contacts nor the next day. Investigations show neither the housewife?s contacts nor nearby foreign construction workers have the virus. Over 83 premises have been inspected for mosquito breeding and three instances detected. Alicia Wong

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/268268.asp