The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed the first imported chikungunya fever case this year which involved a 34-year-old woman who visited Sri Lanka December 20 to January 10.

She developed fever and joint pain on December 27, sought medical treatment from a private doctor on January 16 and has recovered.

Test results today confirmed chikungunya virus.

The disease is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and is characterised by fever, headache and joint pain. Epidemics have occurred in Africa, Asia and on Indian Ocean Islands.

As there is no vaccine for the disease people should stay alert to mosquito-borne diseases.

Click here for more details or visit the Travel Health Service website.