The Health Bureau has discovered two imported cases of chikungunya fever in Macao. The patients had recently travelled to the Philippines and mainland China respectively, and no further cases have been found among their immediate contacts.
In total, there have now been four cases of the mosquito-borne disease in Macao. The Health Bureau has dispatched teams to disinfect the patients’ residences and places they frequent.
Last week, the bureau hosted a joint meeting with local healthcare providers to discuss ways to prevent chikungunya fever’s continued spread. Officials say they have enhanced testing capabilities and mosquito control practices.
[See more: Macao watchful as Foshan’s chikungunya outbreak infects over 3,600 people]
The accumulation of water in Macao’s vacant lots may lead to additional risks. The government must tackle the situation to reduce the need for constant maintenance after repeated rainfall,” Municipal Affairs Consultative Committee vice chairman Kou Ngon Fong told TDM.
The current chikungunya fever outbreak began in Foshan, Guangdong, where over 4,000 cases have been found to date. The disease has also spread to other cities such as Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Dongguan and Zhuhai.
Those in Macao who suspect that they have been infected can visit the Health Bureau’s Public Health Laboratory, which provides testing services.
