CHIKUNGUNYA DISEASE

CHIKUNGUNYA DISEASE: 1.

Mdm Ho Geok Choo asked the Minister for Health (a) why is there a recurrence and worsening of the chikungunya disease since the January outbreak in Little India only infected 13 people compared to the 28 infected by the recent outbreak in Kranji; (b) whether there are weak points in the system for curbing the disease; and (c) if so, what is the Ministry planning to do to tighten measures to fight this recurrence.

The Minister for Health (Mr Khaw Boon Wan): Sir, chikungunya is a viral disease which originated in Africa. But, with globalisation, it has now spread to different parts of the world. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. These mosquitoes, which also spread dengue fever, are commonly found in Singapore and the region. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine yet against chikungunya.

The first case of chikungunya in Singapore was reported in 2006. There were three cases then. It increased to 10 last year. All cases were imported. The first cases of local transmission of chikungunya were from the outbreak in Little India in January this year. By now, a total of 150 cases have been reported. Seventy were imported cases, and 80 through local transmission. Most of these cases occurred recently in July and August.

Chikungunya is endemic in our region, including Indonesia and Malaysia. In the last few months, cases of chikungunya

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have been increasing in Malaysia, especially in Johor. This development, combined with the large volume of travellers between Singapore and Johor, is a major reason for the recent surge in the number of chikungunya cases here. About 80% of the imported cases had a recent travel history to Johor.

The key strategy to controlling chikungunya and preventing it from becoming endemic here is better control of mosquito breeding. But this requires full cooperation by all and constant vigilance. The NEA has worked hard to control mosquito breeding for a long time. However, they continue to find mosquito breeding sites upon investigation of places of residence or work of local cases with chikungunya fever. My Ministry will continue to work with the National Environment Agency to facilitate rapid vector control of Aedes mosquitoes upon notification and detection of cases of chikungunya fever. We will also continue to reduce disease transmission through active case detection and measures to protect cases from further mosquito bites.

The public has an important role to play in eliminating the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes and taking sufficient precautions against mosquito bites while travelling overseas. This will help minimise the risks of disease importation and transmission. We have to work together to prevent chikungunya from taking root in Singapore.

Mdm Halimah Yacob (Jurong): Sir, just a follow-up question to the Minister. Since this disease is being transmitted by travellers, are there any plans on the part of the Ministry of Health to issue a travel advisory to Singaporeans so as to avoid contracting this disease?

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: There is no formal travel advisory. But we did periodically

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warn Singaporeans about the risk of getting chikungunya in endemic regions. At this point in time, Johor is a major problem area. As it also coincides with the durian season and I know that many Singaporeans go to durian plantations there, my advice is that Singaporeans should protect yourself with mosquito repellants. That may help.