Autor(es)Ho Kaiwei, Ang Li Wei, Tan Boon Hian, Tang Choon Siang, Ooi Peng Lim, James Lyn, Kee Tai Goh

ResumoWe conducted an epidemiological review of the chikungunya fever situation in Singapore - described the measures taken to prevent the chikungunya virus from becoming entrenched in the tropical city-state. All laboratory-confirmed cases - outbreak investigation reports maintained by the Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, - Aedes mosquito surveillance data obtained by the National Environment Agency during the period 2006 - 2009 were reviewed - analysed. Sporadic cases were imported into Singapore until the first local transmission occurred in an urban area where Aedes aegypti was the predominant vector. Subsequent introduction of a mutant viral strain (A226V) in early 2008 resulted in the rapid spread to suburban - rural areas where Aedes albopictus was the primary vector. 1072 cases including 812 (75.7%) indigenous cases were reported. The main sources of importation were India - Malaysia. Foreign contract workers were identified as high-risk for indigenous infections. The disease was successfully brought under control through aggressive vector control measures directed at A. albopictus. Although the incidence has sharply declined since January 2009, a high degree of vigilance is maintained to prevent a recurrence of epidemic transmission which can occur even with a well-established nationwide mosquito control programme.

Palavras-ChaveChikungunya virus; Outbreak; Aedes aegypti; Aedes albopictus; Singapore

ImprentaThe Journal of Infection, v. 62, n. 4, p. 263-270, 2011

DescritoresChikungunya virus - Pathogenesis ; Chikungunya virus - Infectious diseases ; Chikungunya virus - Viral infections ; Chikungunya Virus - Virus ; Chikungunya virus - Transmission ; Chikungunya virus - Chikungunya fever ; Chikungunya virus - Epidemic ; Chikungunya virus - Epidemiology ; Chikungunya virus - Public health

Data de Publicação:2011