Ministry of Health (MOH) has just issued a press release which states that as of 12 pm of 2 September, another 38 new cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection found in Singapore, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 189.
Among the new cases, 34 cases are linked to the Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive/ Kallang Way/ Paya Lebar Way cluster, while the other four cases have no known links to any existing cluster.
NEA states that vector control remains the key to control the disease, systematic and holistic approach through surveillance, prevention and control, outbreak management and outreach to arrest mosquito borne transmission in Singapore. Its objective is to keep mosquito borne disease incidence low through reducing the mosquito population and breaking the disease transmission chain.
Premises owners are advised to ensure proper housekeeping within their premises at all times to remove potential mosquito breeding habitats. They should be doing the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout, which includes simple steps such as inverting pails and plant pot plates, and changing the water in vases regularly. They are also advised to apply larvicide in stagnant water to kill larvae, fog open areas when the mosquito population is high and spray insecticides in indoor spaces to kill adult mosquitoes.
It has stated that it had been continuing with vector control operations to control the Aedes mosquito population in Aljunied Crescent / Sims Drive / Kallang Way / Paya Lebar Way.
As of 1 September, 55 breeding habitats – comprising 30 in homes and 25 in common areas/other premises – have been detected and destroyed. NEA has also worked through the Inter-Agency Dengue Task Force members to carry out vector control measures at their respective premises and assets, such as schools, construction sites, and expressway drains.
NEA officers and grassroots volunteers have completed outreach efforts in the Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive, and are conducting outreach in the expanded cluster areas in Paya Lebar Way/Kallang Way.
It had also conducted vector control operations and outreach efforts in Bedok North Avenue 3. 19 breeding habitats, comprising 12 in homes and 7 in common areas/other premises, have been detected and destroyed as of 1 September.
The statement said that there will be community outreach activities over the coming two weekends across the island to urge all residents to join in the collective efforts in the fight against Zika by doing the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout, removing stagnant water and not littering.
