Doctors are advising pregnant women that there is no need to get tested for Zika, unless they show key symptoms, such as a fever and rash.
Reuters, The Straits Times, The New Paper, NEA
On Wednesday, a pregnant woman took to Facebook to say that a doctor at Woodlands Polyclinic would not refer her for a free test even though she had “all (Zika) symptoms besides rashes”. So she paid $300 for the blood and urine test for her peace of mind.
The Health Ministry and Clinical Advisory Group on Zika and Pregnancy advise that unless a pregnant woman has clear symptoms of Zika – fever and rash, and another symptom such as red eyes or joint pain – there is no need to get regular blood or urine tests.
Those in the private sector, such as obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) clinic A Company for Women, have also released advisories along these lines.
Dr Christopher Ng of GynaeMD Women’s and Rejuvenation Clinic said that he has been getting at least one call a day from his patients inquiring about the possibility of getting tested.
The Straits Times, The New Paper
He generally asks them to come in to discuss the issue, adding: “I wouldn’t be surprised if some people want to go ahead anyway, despite MOH’s general advice against doing so.”
Read also:
- Zika outbreak: Why free testing for mums-to-be who show symptoms islandwide
- First case of pregnant woman with Zika in Singapore; potential new cluster at Bedok North Ave 3
- Pregnant woman with Zika is well: Family
This article was first published on Sep 02, 2016.
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