Entomologic and Virologic Investigation of Chikungunya, Singapore

• DOI: 10.3201/eid1508.081486
• Publication Date: 2009-08-19T16:50:45Z
• Authors: Lee-Ching Ng; Li-Kiang Tan; Cheong-Huat Tan; Sharon S.Y. Tan; Hapuarachchige C....; Kwoon-Yong Pok; Yee-Ling Lai; Sai-Gek Lam-Phua; Göran Bucht; Raymond T.P. Lin; Yee-Sin Leo; Boon-Hian Tan; Hwi-Kwang Han; Peng-Lim S Ooi; Lyn James; Seow-Poh Khoo
• Keywords: Aedes albopictus; Alphavirus infection

Abstract Local transmission of chikungunya, a debilitating mosquito-borne viral disease, was first reported in Singapore January 2008. After 3 months absence, locally acquired Chikungunya cases resurfaced May 2008, causing an outbreak that resulted total 231 by September The circulating viruses were related to East, Central, and South African genotypes emerged the Indian Ocean region 2005. local due wild-type virus (alanine at codon 226 envelope 1 gene) occurred area where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes primary vector. Strains isolated during subsequent outbreaks showed alanine valine substitution (A226V) largely spread areas predominated Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. These findings led revision current vector control strategy Singapore. This report highlights use entomologic virologic data assist chikungunya disease-endemic areas.