'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