Two cases of locally-transmitted Zika virus infection in Singapore have been confirmed at Simon Place. According to National Environment Agency (NEA), both cases are from residents in the vicinity and from the same household.
The Zika cluster was notified on Tuesday (28 March) and vector control operations are being carried out in the vicinity. Residents and stakeholders are urged to maintain vigilance and continue to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats, as there could still be asymptomatic or mild, undiagnosed cases which might result in further transmission of the virus if there are mosquitoes in the vicinity.
The agency stated that it has commenced vector control operations since the afternoon of 28 March 2017, as well as outreach activities at the cluster. As of 29 March 2017, NEA has inspected about 120 premises out of about 400 premises in the Simon Place cluster to check for mosquito breeding, and also conducted ground checks in the vicinity. 10 breeding habitats – comprising seven in homes and three in common areas/other premises – have been detected and destroyed, according to NEA’s statement.
The agency noted that indoor spraying of insecticides, as well as terming fogging and misting were also carried out at the premises inspected on 29 March 2017.
NEA asked residents to allow its officers to carry out inspections and indoor spraying of their homes and asking them to practise the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout.
NEA also urges all residents and stakeholders to maintain vigilance and take immediate steps to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats.
Most people infected with the Zika virus do not develop symptoms, which heightens the risk of a Zika resurgence as it may take some time before a reintroduced Zika virus is detected.
“With the presence of the Aedes mosquito vector here, everyone must, therefore, continue to maintain vigilance and play his part to prevent future localised transmission through eradicating mosquito breeding habitats in our neighbourhoods,” it said.
The agency also advises members of the public to seek medical attention if they are unwell.
Some common Zika symptoms are fever, rash, headache, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and muscle pain. The virus usually remains in the blood of an infected person for about a week. Doctors or other healthcare providers may order blood tests to look for Zika or other similar viruses like dengue or chikungunya.
NEA also reminds residents who are infected to inform their doctors of the location of their residence and workplace.
Updated information on Zika and details on current clusters can be obtained from NEA’s website: www.nea.gov.sg/zika and www.nea.gov.sg/zika-clusters.
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