Ng Lian Cheong/Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia 3 Aug 08;
SINGAPORE: The spectre of recent chikungunya infections at Kranji Way does not seem to have cast a shroud over businesses there.
Three chikungunya cases involving two foreign workers and a delivery driver were reported in the area on Saturday.
One farm operator told Channel NewsAsia the number of visitors plunged 50 per cent on Sunday compared to the last weekend.
Teo Khai Seng of Khai Seng Trading & Fish Farm said: "Crowd has thinned by 50 per cent."
But five other farms there said there has been no significant impact on business.
Customers were seen going into the farms.
"The fish here is fresher and cheaper by 30 per cent," said a customer.
"I don't think about it (chikungunya), I believe we are fortunate," said another.
The farm operators said they will continue to work with the authorities to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites.
Mr Teo said: "We make sure there's no stagnant water, the drainage here is also good."
Stall owner Loo Kian Huat said: "We put fishes in the water to get rid of mosquitoes."
The authorities can only declare the chikungunya threat has passed when no new cases are reported in the area in the next 24 days.
- CNA/ir
