'Chikungunya' infects 98

'Chikungunya' infects 98

TANGERANG: Tangerang health officials revealed on Saturday
that 98 people in Bojong Renged, Teluk Naga district, have
contracted the chikungunya virus.

"We have determined that the chikungunya outbreak to be an
extraordinary incident, which requires immediate prevention
before it spreads to other villagers," said the head of
communicable disease prevention unit, Yuliah Iskandar.

She said the number of patients on Saturday had doubled over
the last week.

The disease, which has similar symptoms to dengue fever, can
be transmitted to humans via mosquitoes.

Although no fatalities have been reported, the disease can
cause persistent arthralgia -- severe joint pain.

The health officials currently distributing anti-mosquito
larvae powder to residents and fogging the area while providing
free health checks and medical treatment for residents who are
suffering from the symptoms of chikungunya. -- Antara