#11,584
In the four days since Singapore announced their first locally acquired Zika case we've seen a steady rise in cases, first to 41 on Sunday, then 56 yesterday, and today the number sits at 82 confirmed cases.
This rapid increase in cases appears to be the result of aggressive testing of residents in and around the areas where the first cases either lived or worked.
First, a statement from the MOH/NEA on the latest findings, followed by a link to the MOH's guidance for pregnant women.
Joint MOH-NEA statement (30 Aug)
As of 12pm, 30 August, MOH has confirmed 26 more cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection in Singapore. Another 111 individuals were tested negative over the last 24 hours.
17 cases live or work in the Sims Drive/ Aljunied Crescent area and five live or work in Kallang Way and Paya Lebar Way, north of Sims Drive/Aljunied. We are investigating the remaining four cases for their links to the affected area.
Vector Control & Outreach
As of 29 August, NEA has inspected about 5,000 premises out of an estimated 6,000 premises in the Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive cluster to check for mosquito breeding, and also conducted ground checks in the vicinity. 39 breeding habitats – comprising 23 in homes and 16 in common areas/other premises - have been detected and destroyed. As of 29 August, NEA has served Notices on more than 400 inaccessible premises in the Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive cluster to require the owners to contact NEA to arrange for an inspection, failing which NEA will proceed with forced entry. NEA has also inspected the on-site workers quarters at the construction site at Sims Drive. The Stop Work Order on the construction site at Sims Drive is still in force.
NEA officers and grassroots volunteers have completed the first round of outreach efforts in the Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive cluster, to distribute Zika information leaflets, and we will be continuing with outreach in the areas of concern to raise general awareness of Zika, reiterate need for source reduction to prevent mosquito breeding, and advise residents to apply repellent as precaution.
NEA will be commencing vector control operations and outreach efforts in Kallang Way and Paya Lebar Way.
Advisory for Construction Sites and Dormitory Operators
In addition to inspecting homes and their common areas, NEA also inspects construction sites and engages dormitory operators. The latter plays an important role in helping to prevent and stem Zika transmission in their premises by ensuring a clean and hygienic environment. Some good practices include engaging dedicated pest control operator(s) for mosquito control, ensuring and sustaining proper housekeeping, and ensuring that all workers/residents apply insect repellent regularly.
Last updated on 30 Aug 2016
The MOH's initial guidance for Pregnant women along with an extensive Q&A section are available at:
MOH AND CLINICAL ADVISORY GROUP ON ZIKA AND PREGNANCY PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
MOH and clinical advisory group on zika and pregnancy provide guidelines for pregnant women
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Clinical Advisory Group (CAG) on Zika and Pregnancy advise all pregnant women in Singapore with symptoms of Zika (fever and rash and other symptoms such as red eyes or joint pain), as well as those (with or without symptoms) with male partners who are Zika-positive, to be tested for Zika virus infection. This is regardless of whether they have been to Zika-affected areas.
2. Testing is not routinely recommended for other pregnant women who do not have symptoms of Zika and whose male partners are not Zika-positive.
3. Testing for pregnant women as referred by their doctors, and who meet these criteria, is free at the public healthcare institutions. This is no different from the current practice for Zika testing for those with symptoms and who live, work or study in a Zika-affected area.
(Continue . . . )
