M'SIA:MYSTERIOUS DISEASE STRIKES 200 VILLAGERS

ALOR SETAR (Malaysia), May 7 (Bernama) -- More than 200 residents in four
villages around Pokok Sena, a town in northern state of Kedah in Peninsular
Malaysia, have been reported to experience a mysterious disease, with its
symptoms similar to that of Chikungunya, but almost all have recovered.

Kota Setar Health Officer, Dr Abu Hashim Ahmad said, investigations and
checks on residents in the affected areas found that two were affected by the
fever.

"A 76-year-old woman from Kampung Baru, Pokok Sena, was warded in the
Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for further treatment while another was given normal
treatment," he told reporters after leading 50 health officers and staff to
visit and check each house in the four villages.

The Kedah Health Department in a statement Wednesday said, those affected
had experienced fever and joint pains but recovered after receiving treatment at
a nearby private clinic.

He said a control team will continue to keep an eye on all the villages
involved.

The fever was believed to have started in Kampung Desa Keda which then made
its way to Kampung Hujung Bendang, Kampung Bendang Baru and Kampung Baru (three
villages), here, since mid-March.

-- BERNAMA