Singapore Confirms 31 New Cases of Locally Transmitted Zika Virus Infection

Singapore — Singapore confirmed 31 new cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection as of Thursday, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA).

Thursday’s update brings the total number of Zika infections in Singapore to 151. Of the 31 cases, three are not linked to any existing cluster. They live in Tagore Avenue, Yishun Street 81 and Harvey Crescent, according to the joint statement.

The MOH also mentioned that one of newly reported cases confirmed on Thursday is pregnant, which is the second pregnant woman to be diagnosed with Zika in the city state.

The woman is linked to the Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive cluster. Her doctor is following up closely with her to provide support and counselling.

Another five cases were detected as a result of MOH’s look-back testing of previous cases. A total of 236 samples were taken, of which 52 tested positive.

The NEA said vector control remains key to reducing the spread of the Zika virus. The government agency has taken a systematic and holistic approach to arrest mosquito borne transmission through surveillance, prevention and control, outbreak management and outreach.

“The objective is to keep mosquito-borne disease incidence low through reducing the mosquito population and breaking the disease transmission chain,” it said.

The NEA is continuing with vector control operations to control the Aedes mosquito population in the existing Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive cluster. At least 49 breeding habitats have reportedly been detected and destroyed.

The government agency has also conducted vector control operations and outreach efforts in Bedok North Avenue 3, Punggol Way and Joo Seng on Thursday.

Residents are urged to cooperate fully with the NEA and allow its officers to inspect their premises for mosquito breeding and spray insecticide to kill any mosquitoes. (PNA/Xinhua) JMC/EBP