Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. -filepic
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has confirmed that 11 people have been diagnosed with Chikungunya.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said this is in relation to reports of residents in Tanjung Sepat, in Kuala Langat, Selangor, who experienced joint pain and fever.
"The Kuala Langat district health department did an active case detection and as of Jan 31 (Thursday), 14 people experienced symptoms of Chikungunya and further tests were conducted.
"From that, 11 patients have been confirmed with having Chikungunya," said Dr Noor Hisham in a statement on Friday (Feb 1).
He said control and prevention methods for Chikungunya such as destroying mosquito habitat have been done in the Tanjung Sepat area by the district health department.
Chikungunya is a disease caused by Aedes mosquitoes that spread the Chikungunya virus.
Those who have been infected with Chikungunya experience fever, rash, body and joint aches, which can hinder their movements.
People who have such symptoms are urged to get tests and further treatments at the healthcare facilities nearby.
Dr Noor Hisham also reminded people to always keep their environment clean and destroy Aedes mosquitoes' breeding grounds regularly.
They are also encouraged to spray aerosol to kill adult mosquitoes and use mosquito repellent when they are outside.
Dr Noor Hisham also urged people not to further speculate, adding that updates on Chikungunya will be done on the ministry's Facebook page.
On Jan 15, it was reported that individuals entering Malaysia from Thailand through the Padang Besar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex were required to pass through a body temperature scanner, due to the ongoing Chikungunya outbreak in Thailand.
The precautionary measure was implemented after reports that the disease was rampant in Hat Yai, Thailand.
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