Journal




Figure 1: Aedes Albopictus        
Chikungunya Fever

The fever is caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an insect-borne virus, transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes to humans. The first case of the virus was isolated between 1952-1953 from man and mosquitoes during an epidemic of fever which had the similarity with dengue in the Tanzania, East Africa.

As at 12th September 2008 (Singapore), a total of 222 cases of Chikungunya fever have been identified including the imported cases for those with history of travel to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Maldives, Johor and other states of Malaysia in 2008. (Source: NEA website)


Symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Prolonged joint pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Rashes

The symptoms are similar to dengue fever however Chikungunya fever is generally not fatal or life-threatening. The incubation period may be 3-12 days but average 3-7 days while the symptoms may last for weeks or months. Sometimes, an infection may have occurred without symptoms although the reason is still unclear. 

Control measures:

Source reduction in prevention of mosquito breeding is utmost important in order to combat with the disease transmission. Combination of chemical control, physical control, and biological control are needed since there is no success by single effort.

Mosquitoes are flying insects thus it is not easy to control of prevent them from intruding for blood meal. Aedes mosquitoes are rarely enter into premise and they are usually taking blood meal during the day. However, extra attention is needed especially when your premise is huge and surrounded by bushes or greenery because mosquitoes prefer to harbour at shady area.

Do not hesitate to contact pest control service providers as they could provide site-specific plan and maintenance programme just for you. Besides, property owners or residents should be actively participating in removal of mosquito breeding grounds by practicing good housekeeping. Checklist for Mosquito Breeding Control is available on National Environmental Agency (NEA) website.