4 MORE CHIKUNGUNYA CASES IN KEDAH
Latest cases in Simpang Kuala bring number of affected people to 19
THE Kedah Health Department has identified another area infected with the Chikungunya virus with the detection of four cases in Simpang Kuala, here.
State health director Datuk Dr Norhizan Ismail said the four latest cases involved traders and residents, bri nging the total number of people infected with the disease in Kedah to 19, including 15 people living in a row of shophouses near City Plaza here previously.
“Cases in this (Simpang Kuala) locality were reported at 10pm on Monday and district health officers were on the ground to conduct immediate checks.
“Investigations and blood tests on four individuals aged between 39 and 60 found them positive with Chikungunya.
“We are still checking to determine whether they are linked to the infections in City Plaza,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
He said 24 premises in the area
were inspected, where six containers were found to be positive for mosquito breeding, while four compounds were issued under the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975.
Norhizan said vector control activities at the City Plaza shophouses were carried out from Sunday until yesterday with 453 premises inspected and 26 containers found to be positive for mosquito breeding.
Fifteen owners the premises owners were slapped with compounds amounting to RM7,500, he said.
“Those displaying symptoms such as fever and joint pains are advised to seek treatment at the nearest health facility.”
Last Sunday, 23 individuals living in a row of shophouses near City Plaza here were suspected of being infected with chikungunya after displaying symptoms of the disease such as fever, joint pains, and rashes.
However, only 15 tested positive for the virus.