Aug 19, 2008, 4:30 GMT
Singapore - Travellers heading to Malaysia were advised Tuesday to cover up and generously apply insect repellent as the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus spreads in neighbouring Singapore.
At least 82 of the 117 chikungunya patients in the city-state were hit by a strain of the virus that has been circulating in Malaysia.
Malaysia has reported a record 136 chikungunya patients this year.
The Singapore Health Ministry warned travellers to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, apply repellent and use mosquito coil while in chikungunya outbreak areas such as the Malaysian states of Johor, Malacca, Negri Sambilan and Perak.
The same advice was given to travellers to India and Indonesia.
Scientists at the National Environmental Agency have found that the virus that caused an outbreak in Singapore's 'Little India' area resembled viruses in India while others were similar to viruses in Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
There is no vaccine against the disease, which is similar to dengue fever. Its symptoms include joint pain, fever and rashes.
View blog reactions
There are currently no comments for this article. Be the first to comment! (no registration required)
Advertising
There are currently no comments for this article. Be the first to comment! (no registration required)