Man, 77, with underlying illnesses dies from Chikungunya

The city recorded its first Chikungunya fever fatality.

A 77-year-old man with chronic illnesses passed away today after his condition deteriorated.

The deceased developed a fever and joint pain after returning from the mainland on October 13.

He sought medical attention at a private hospital and was later transfered to the intensive care unit of Ruttonjee Hospital.

He was diagnosed with Chikungunya and multi-organ failure.

The Centre for Health Protection said the mortality rate of Chikungunya is generally low, with estimates around less than one in a thousand, adding that the occurrence of severe complications is mostly related to the patients' underlying health conditions.