Singapore confirms two new cases of Zika virus

[tetano]

SINGAPORE Singapore has confirmed two cases of locally transmitted infections of the Zika virus in a northeastern part of the city state, the National Environment Agency said on Wednesday, describing it as the first Zika cluster of 2017.

The viral disease carried by mosquitoes has spread to more than 60 countries and territories since an outbreak was identified in Brazil in 2015, raising alarm over its ability to cause microcephaly as well as Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Singapore had already reported six cases in the first 12 weeks of this year, the agency?s website shows. Last year, more than 400 people became infected with the virus, following discovery of the first case in August.
?Both cases are residents in the vicinity and from the same household,? the agency said in a statement.
?Residents and stakeholders are urged to maintain vigilance and continue to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats.?

http://healthmedicinet.com/i/singapore-confirms-two-new-cases-of-zika-virus/

[sharon sanders]

News Releases

NEA Urges Vigilance As First Zika Cluster Of 2017 Reported At Simon Place

NEA has commenced vector control operations and outreach activities at the cluster

Singapore, 29 March 2017 ? Two cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection in Singapore have been confirmed at Simon Place. Both cases are residents in the vicinity and from the same household. The Zika cluster was notified on Tuesday, 28 March 2017, and vector control operations are being carried out in the vicinity. Residents and stakeholders are urged to maintain vigilance and continue to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats, as there could still be asymptomatic or mild, undiagnosed cases which might result in further transmission of the virus if there are mosquitoes in the vicinity.
2 The National Environment Agency (NEA) has commenced vector control operations since the afternoon of 28 March 2017, as well as outreach activities at the cluster. As of 29 March 2017, 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. 10 breeding habitats ? comprising seven in homes and three in common areas/other premises ? have been detected and destroyed.
3 Indoor spraying of insecticides has also been carried out at the premises inspected. Thermal fogging and misting have also been carried out at the outdoor areas on 29 March 2017.
4 NEA officers and grassroots volunteers are continuing with the outreach efforts in the vicinity of Simon Place to distribute Zika information leaflets and insect repellents to households to raise general awareness of Zika, reiterate the need for source reduction to prevent mosquito breeding and advise residents to apply repellent as a precaution.
5 Residents are requested to allow NEA officers to carry out inspections and indoor spraying of their homes. Residents are reminded to practise the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout. NEA urges all residents and stakeholders to maintain vigilance and take immediate steps to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats.
6 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.
7 Members of the public are advised to seek medical attention if they are unwell, especially with symptoms such as fever and rash. They should also inform their doctors of the location of their residence and workplace.
8 Updated information on Zika and details on current clusters can be obtained from NEA?s website: www.nea.gov.sg/zika and www.nea.gov.sg/zika-clusters.

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.ibtimes.sg/singapore-two-...dry-close-9049

Singapore: Two new Zika clusters confirmed at Flower Road, Hendry Close
April 7, 2017 15:19 SGT
By Samhati Bhattacharjya

Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Thursday that two new cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection have been confirmed at Flower Road and Hendry Close. This latest cluster is close to the first Zika cluster of this year, which was reported at Simon Place in Hougang on last Wednesday.

NEA said both of the new cases are residents in the area. It added that the authorities have started their operations to control the mosquito population. The agency urged the residents to maintain vigilance, "as there could still be asymptomatic or mild, undiagnosed cases which might result in further transmission of the virus" if there are mosquitoes in the area...