Campaign Against Chikugunya

The Star, Friday July 18, 2008

MUAR: All local authorities have been directed to carry out cleanliness campaigns to curb the spread of the chikugunya viral fever.

State Women, Family, Community Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai said the fever, an acute viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, had spread to several villages near Tangkak.

Speaking to reporters, she said that 19 cases of chikugunya fever were reported in Tangkak, Sagil, Bukit Kangkar and Sungai Mati this month.

“Although the fever is not life-threatening and lasts about five days, we want local authorities to organise campaigns to eradicate mosquito-breeding grounds in their areas."

“At the same time, we urge residents, including those in the villages, to clean their compounds and protect themselves from mosquito bites,” she said recently.

Dr Robia said besides local authorities, the state wanted all mosques, temples, churches and schools to spread the word about the chikugunya mosquito.

She said that those with high fever, rashes and pain in the joints should seek treatment at the nearest clinic, adding that residents should not panic over the matter.

“We have directed the Health Department in the districts to carry out fogging in affected villages and urge people to use mosquito repellents in their houses,” she added.

CHIKUNGUNYA FEVER

• Viral disease transmitted by the bite of infected female mosquitoes of the Aedes species.
• Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and rash (but no related haemorrhaging).
• Severe and sometimes persistent joint pain. Many symptoms similar to dengue except for prolonged joint pain.
• Fever lasts from a few days to a couple of weeks.
• Some patients have prolonged fatigue lasting several weeks.
• Incubation period can be two to 12 days but normally it is three to seven days.
• Recovery is excepted but elderly folks take longer and some may take a year or more.
• No death has been conclusively proven.
• Infection happens when a mosquito spreads it after biting an already infected person in the daytime.
• Monkeys and possibly other animals may also serve as reservoirs.
• There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment.
• Treatment is rest, taking fluids and medication for mitigating pain and fever. Avoid aspirin.
• Patient's movements should be restricted so that exposure to mosquitoes is limited to prevent further spreading the virus.
• Prevention includes using insect repellents, mosquito coils/mats/nets and proper clothing that cover your body.
• Cover or drain any place or receptacle which has still water because they breed in clean stagnant water. Also properly dispose of used containers which can collect water.