The Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) reported today on 31 additional new cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection. Of the 31, three cases are not linked to any existing cluster. They live in Tagore Avenue, Yishun Street 81 and Harvey Crescent.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

One of the cases confirmed today is pregnant; she 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. The look-back exercise is now completed. A total of 236 samples were taken, of which 52 tested positive, and 184 were negative.

This brings the total cases to 151. The rapid spread of Zika virus in Singapore can be attributed to the presence of the appropriate mosquito vector and a immunologically naive population.

The National Environmental Agency (NEA) is continuing with vector control operations to control the Aedes mosquito population. Vector control remains key to reducing the spread of the Zika virus. NEA takes a systematic and holistic approach to arrest mosquito borne transmission in Singapore, through surveillance, prevention and control, outbreak management and outreach.

NEA officers and grassroots volunteers have completed outreach efforts to distribute Zika information leaflets in the Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive cluster, and have commenced outreach in the expanded cluster areas in Paya Lebar Way/Kallang Way.

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