Alphaviruses in Peninsular Malaysia: II. Serological evidence of human infection.

A serum survey of several characteristic groups of humans in urban, rural, and forested areas of Peninsular Malaysia for evidence of infection with three alphaviruses (Sindbis, getah, and chikungunya) was made on 4384 specimens collected between 1965 and 1969. Analysis of the serological results indicated that 1) persons residing in predominantly rural and forested areas have higher frequencies of specific alphavirus antibody of all three viruses than persons residing in urban areas, 2) human infection with chikungunya virus appears to be at a low level of activity but is widespread, although more common and recent in the northern part of the country, and 3) Sindbis and getah viruses probably do not represent a threat to the public health, but chikungunya virus remains a potential menance and may be responsible for future epidemics transmitted by A. aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitoes.