11 Feb 2019 | 08:05 AM UTC
Malaysia: Chikungunya outbreak reported in Selangor
Chikungunya outbreak reported in Selangor; at least 23 reported in first week of February
Event
A chikungunya outbreak has been reported in Selangor state. According to health officials, at least 23 cases have been reported during the first week of February alone. Further spread of the disease is to be anticipated in the coming days and weeks.
Context
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms include high fever, joint and muscle pain, rash, headache, nausea, and fatigue. The virus is rarely fatal but lingering joint pain can last for several weeks, even months, after the initial recovery. No treatment or vaccine for the virus is currently available.
Advice
Individuals in Selangor state are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).
