Another Singaporean hit with Chikungunya fever, bringing the total to 11

Channel NewsAsia 26 Jan 08;

SINGAPORE: The Chikungunya virus has hit another person in Singapore - bringing to 11 the total number of cases so far.

The Health Ministry said the latest case detected on 25 January 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 mosquito-borne disease have all been linked to the Clive Street area in Little India.

And since 14 January, the authorities have screened 1,795 people within a 150-metre 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.

More than 3,200 inspections have been conducted so far.

NEA has stepped up its operations to Rochor Road, Race Course Road, Lavender Road and Jalan Besar.

A total of 63 breeding sites have also been found and destroyed.

Of the 11 cases, nine were admitted at the Communicable Disease Centre for isolation and management.

All have been discharged, except for two who are still under observation, including the latest case.

Residents and owners of premises have been advised to check their area 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. -CNA/vm