14 suspected chikungunya cases reported in Alor Setar

The Kedah health director says preventive and control measures against chikungunya are being taken at the affected area.

ALOR SETAR: Fourteen people living in a row of shophouses near City Plaza here are suspected to be infected with chikungunya after displaying symptoms of the disease such as fever, joint pain and rashes.

Kedah health director Dr Norhizan Ismail said the Alor Setar Health Office, which had not been officially informed, carried out investigations immediately after the case went viral on social media yesterday.

“Initial inspection found the illness began on June 9 when many of them obtained outpatient treatment in private clinics in Alor Setar,” he said in a statement today, adding that they were reported to be in a stable condition.

“Based on the symptoms, the patients aged between 35 and 50 were believed to be infected with chikungunya even though the illness could be due to other diseases.”

Norhizan said further examinations were being conducted, including sending samples for laboratory tests at the National Public Health Laboratory in Sungai Buloh, Selangor.

“For the time being, the health office is carrying out preventive and control measures, including active case detection (ACD) around the area.

“Residents in areas off Jalan Tunku Ibrahim who have fever and joint pain are advised to seek further treatment at the nearest health centre,” he said. - FMT