SINGAPORE: Two cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infections have been confirmed at Simon Place in Hougang, the National Environment Agency said on Wednesday (Mar 29).
This is the first Zika cluster reported in Singapore this year.
Both cases are residents from the same household, NEA added in a media release.
The Zika cluster was confirmed on Tuesday and vector control operations are being carried out in the area.
“As of Mar 29, 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,” said the agency.
“10 breeding habitats – comprising seven in homes and three in common areas/other premises – have been detected and destroyed.”
The location of the active Zika cluster at Simon Place. (Image: NEA)
NEA added that it has carried out indoor spraying of insecticides, as well as thermal fogging and misting in the outdoor areas. In addition, outreach efforts are being conducted by NEA officers and grassroot volunteers in the area to distribute Zika information leaflets and insect repellent to households.
NEA also urged residents to allow officers to carry out inspections and indoor spraying of residents’ homes if required.
“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,” said NEA.
