CHIKUNGUNYA FEVER CASES DETECTED AT LIM CHU KANG AGRO TECHNOLOGY PARK

Email Dated 29/08/2008 08:41 AM

Subject
CHIKUNGUNYA FEVER CASES DETECTED AT LIM CHU KANG AGRO TECHNOLOGY PARK

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recently identified a cluster of chikungunya fever cases involving five workers in the vicinity of the Lim Chu Kang Agro Technology Park. Investigations revealed that these were likely to be locally acquired infections as all five cases had no recent history of travel overseas prior to their onset of illness. MOH is monitoring the situation and the National Environment Agency has instituted vector control and surveillance in the affected area.

Chikungunya fever is a disease caused by the chikungunya virus and symptoms include fever, rashes and joint pains. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. There is no direct person to person spread.

We understand that Lim Chu Kang Agro Technology Park and the farms in the vicinity are potential venues for study visits by schools during the term holidays. In this regard, MOH recommends that MOE consider advising all schools to postpone such study visits until the chikungunya situation in the area is well under control and the outbreak declared over.

We look forward to your co-operation and assistance in this matter.

Thank you. Foong Bok Huay Assistant Director (Surveillance & Response)
Communicable Diseases Division Ministry of Health http://www.moh.gov.sg