Zika virus arrived in Singapore on 2016. Since then, there have been cases reported every now and then.
However, the news of it is resurfacing again as the first Zika cluster of 2019 was just found yesterday (13 September 2019).
Friday the 13th, indeed.
Zika Cluster At Serangoon Gardens
There have been three cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection confirmed at Hemsley Avenue in Serangoon Gardens. Hence, this makes it the first Zika cluster this year.
According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), all three cases in the cluster formed on Friday (13 September) are residents in the vicinity.
A cluster is formed when two or more cases occur within 14 days and are located within 150m of each other.
As of Friday, there has been a total of seven cases of the Zika virus in Singapore. NEA further noted that the Zika cluster is near a dengue cluster of eight cases formed last month. They were located at Bridport Avenue, Cowdray Avenue, Huddington Avenue, Portchester Avenue and Tavistock Avenue.
There is a similarity between them, as the Aedes mosquito spreads both Zika and dengue.
This means that there is a high chance these areas are likely to be breeding ground for the Aedes mosquitoes.
Measures Taken By NEA
With this, the NEA urges residents to stay vigilant and continue to eliminate any mosquito breeding habitats. If there are still mosquitoes in the vicinity, the virus might transmit further.
To combat this problem, NEA has begun vector control operations in the dengue cluster area, such as spraying insecticide indoors and misting and thermal fogging outdoors.
As of Friday, five breeding habitats in the dengue cluster area has been destroyed by NEA. One was located in a home, while four others were located in common areas and other premises.
To educate the public, NEA officers and community leaders will be distributing information leaflets and insect repellents to raise awareness. As members of the public, we are advised to seek medical attention if we are unwell with symptoms such as fever and rash.
Facts About The Zika Virus
If you are unsure about the Zika virus, here are some facts that you should be aware of:
The Zika virus is known to cause a condition, known as microcephaly. If a pregnant mother is infected with the virus, it causes abnormally small head when the baby is born.
Furthermore, it can also affect visual development in infants who were infected before birth. Hence, it is important for pregnant women to take precautions.
The first locally transmitted case in Singapore was seen in August 2016. About 450 people were infected by the end of that year. Whereas the last Zika cluster was in July 2017, where there were three cases in Serangoon North Avenue reported.
Yes, Zika seems to love Serangoon for some reason.
When infected with Zika, only one in five people will develop symptoms. This is usually quite mild, which includes a low-grade fever, rashes, conjunctivitis, mild headaches, and muscle and joint pains.
Now, just a reminder again: Remember to practice the mozzie wipeout routine and apply repellent as a precaution! Everyone has a part to play when it comes to a crisis such as this.
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