ALOR SETAR: A total of 14 people living at a shophouse near City Plaza here are suspected of having chikungunya after exhibiting symptoms of fever, severe joint pains and rashes.
Kedah State Health Department director Datuk Dr Norhizan Ismail said the investigation was conducted immediately by the Alor Setar district health office after the case went viral on social media yesterday.
He added that initial investigations found the symptoms began on June 9. Most of those affected had received outpatient treatment at private clinics in and around Alor Setar and their condition was reported stable.
“Preliminary investigations based on signs and symptoms suggest that those aged between 35 and 50 are likely to have chikungunya disease. However, we do not rule out the possibility of other illnesses.
“In this regard, further investigations are still ongoing, including sending samples for laboratory testing at the National Public Health Laboratory in Sungai Buloh, Selangor,” he said in a statement here today.
Dr Norhizan said the department was currently taking prevention and control measures, including active case detection (ACD) around the area.
He added that people with symptoms of fever and joint pains, especially residents of Jalan Tunku Ibrahim around City Plaza are advised to seek further treatment at nearby health facilities.
“Further information on the development of the case will be communicated from time to time, and the public is advised to avoid any speculation.
“At the same time, we call on all parties especially local communities to take measures to eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding grounds to prevent the spread of chikungunya, dengue and zika,” he added.