SAFEGUARDING AGAINST CHIKUNGUNYA
According to CDA, chikungunya outbreaks are rising in the Americas, Asia and Europe this year, and temperate countries which were previously unaffected by mosquito-borne diseases now face a higher risk due to climate change.
While vaccines for the disease have been licensed elsewhere, they are currently not available in Singapore, experts noted.
This is probably because the risk of infection is “relatively low” and the vaccines are new, so Singapore’s regulators are waiting for more safety data from overseas, said Dr Tambyah.
“Until a safe and effective vaccine is widely in use, the best approach is to avoid getting bitten by Aedes mosquitoes.”
Dr Tambyah advised the public to use mosquito repellent, especially at dawn and dusk, and to ensure workplaces or homes are not breeding Aedes mosquitoes.
“If you get bitten near a construction site, let NEA know as they track construction sites where Aedes breeding is detected and can issue stop-work orders,” he added.
CDA also advised those visiting chikungunya-affected areas to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Besides applying effective insect repellent, individuals can wear clothing that covers most of their body and stay in rooms that are well-screened against insects.
Travellers who feel unwell should seek medical attention promptly and inform their doctor of their travel history and any mosquito bites. They should also continue using effective insect repellent to avoid infecting mosquitoes, which could then spread the disease to others.
Doctors and laboratories are also legally required to notify CDA if they detect any suspected or confirmed chikungunya cases, said the agency.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE INFECTED
Like dengue, there is no antiviral drug that can shorten the duration of a chikungunya infection, said Prof Ooi.
“Treatment is thus directed at alleviating the symptoms, such as analgesics for the joint pain.”
Those infected should also seek medical attention to ensure that they do not have dengue in addition to chikungunya, said Dr Tambyah.
“From a public health point of view, individuals should check their workplaces and homes to make sure that they are not breeding Aedes mosquitoes so that no one else at home or work gets infected.”
