22 new cases of chikungunya fever reported in Singapore

Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia 12 Sep 08;

SINGAPORE : The Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Friday that 22 new cases of chikungunya fever have been reported. This brings the total number of cases to 200 as of Thursday.

MOH said half of the 22 new cases were imported and the victims had a history of travel to Malaysia.

Among the other 11 local cases, two belonged to a new cluster at Seletar Farmway. MOH said two retirees in their 60s developed symptoms on September 6, and one of them was subsequently hospitalised.

Seven new cases were also found in existing clusters like Kranji Way, Sungei Kadut and Mandai Estate.

The two remaining cases were reported at Crawford Lane and Mei Ling Street.

The National Environment Agency continues to conduct checks in those areas to eradicate mosquito breeding sites.

MOH has advised people who develop symptoms of chikungunya - which include fever, joint pain and rashes - to consult their doctors immediately. - CNA/ms