School trip to Thailand turns nightmare, 13 students found victims of chikungunya

By Bhaswati Guha Majumder
Updated June 3, 2019 18:39 +08

mosquito on twitter — Picture of a mosquito for representation only Jim Gathany/CDC/Handout/Reuters

Students, aged 15 to 17 and a teacher from the School of the Arts (Sota) went to a village in Thailand's Ratchaburi province last week for a community service learning trip from May 25 to June. The reports stated that in the early stage of the trip, all 13 students and their teacher got infected with chikungunya virus and high fever.

On Monday the school authority said in a statement that that among 13 students, 6 victims remain in Bangkok's hospital for further treatment.

Sota principal Mary Seah told TODAY that the six students are recovering well but there were 19 other students who were part of this trip, returned to Singapore after the incident happened. She also stated that the first priority of the school is to ensure the well-being of its students and teachers so that they can return to their families as soon as possible.

In addition, Seah said that some of the teachers are currently in Thailand to monitor those students who are in hospital and the school authority is in touch with the families to let the parents know about the development.

On May 29, the Ministry of Health issued the weekly infectious disease bulletin, where the authority mentioned that nine chikungunya cases were diagnosed in Singapore in the first 21 weeks of this year.

What is Chikungunya fever?

It is caused by a virus which is spread to people after infectious mosquito bites.

What are the common symptoms of infection?

Fever and joint pain are the major symptoms of this fever but there are other symptoms like headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or rash.

Most affected countries:

In late 2013, the first local transmission of chikungunya virus in the Americas was identified in Caribbean countries and territories. Later the outbreaks had been identified in countries of Africa, Asia, Europe and Pacific Oceans.

How to prevent Chikungunya fever?

When travelling to countries with chikungunya virus, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.

Treatment:

There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat chikungunya virus.
Treat the symptoms: Get plenty of rest, drink fluids to prevent dehydration, take medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or paracetamol to reduce fever and pain, do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding) and if you are taking medicine for another medical condition, then talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medication.