A SINGAPOREAN MP who is seven months pregnant is going door-to-door to allay fears and promote awareness on the Zika virus that is spreading in the city-state as part of an on-going crusade against the mosquito-borne virus.
According to the Straits Times, Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Sun Xueling said although pregnant women must take extra precautions in light of the outbreak, expectant mothers should also know that it was unnecessary to alter their lives drastically.
The 37-year-old MP decided to go the extra mile to raise awareness over the issue after one of her constituents in Punggol Way contracted the virus earlier this week.
Sun had reportedly visited an apartment block in the area to distribute insert repellent and posters on measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
Zika outbreak: Pregnant MP visits residents, to show 'life can go on as normal' – The Straits Times … pic.twitter.com/GSsTVlA1rN
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Singapore recorded its first case of locally transmitted infection on Aug 27.
A large portion of residents in Sun’s ward are aged between 22 and 35 years old.
The MP said she met about five expectant mothers daily.
“If they are concerned (about) living here, I want to be here to show concern for them,” she was quoted as saying.
“It’s important for them to see me walking around. I want them to know that life can go on as normal with Zika, so long as you take precautions.”
SEE ALSO: Singapore’s Zika tally now 115, first pregnant woman diagnosed
Singapore is encouraging residents to use insect repellent, clear blockages in drains and wear long-sleeved clothing to protect themselves from mosquitoes as the number of Zika patients in the country rose to 151 recently.
Open-air food centers in the affected districts of Singapore had few lunchtime patrons Friday, apparently fearful of contracting the mosquito-borne virus.
Singapore announced its first Zika infection in May, with the virus imported by a 48-year-old man who returned from Brazil.
On Friday, the Ministry of Health in a statement confirmed 38 more locally-transmitted cases, bringing the national tally to 189, adding that some of the new cases had been detected in areas where infections had not previously been reported.
Just the day before, the ministry said the number of infections had been 151, including two pregnant women.
The number includes visitors from Malaysia, and Indonesian and Chinese nationals living here.
The Zika virus has a mild effect on most people, but can be fatal for unborn children.
Additional reporting from the Associated Press
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