#11,706
We've the latest update from Signapore's MOH showing a slight reduction in the number of new cases reported today, and a Channel NewsAsia interview with Health Minister Gan Kim Yong who outlines changes in their approach to Zika going forward.
First the MOH/NEA report.
Joint MOH-NEA statement (5 September)
As of 12pm, 5 September, MOH has confirmed 16 new cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection in Singapore. Of these, 11 cases are linked to the Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive/ Kallang Way/ Paya Lebar Way cluster. One case is linked to the Joo Seng Road cluster. The other four cases have no known links to any existing cluster.
Vector Control Update
NEA has been continuing with vector control operations and outreach efforts in Aljunied Crescent / Sims Drive / Paya Lebar Way / Kallang Way. NEA has also expanded operations and outreach efforts at the periphery of this cluster at Circuit Road and Geylang East Way. As of 4 September, 63 breeding habitats – comprising 37 in homes and 26 in common areas/other premises – have been detected and destroyed.
NEA is continuing with vector control operations and outreach efforts in Bedok North Avenue. As of 4 September, 52 breeding habitats – comprising 42 in homes and 10 in common areas/other premises – have been detected and destroyed. Mosquito control measures are ongoing.
Vector control operations and outreach efforts at Joo Seng Road are ongoing. No breeding habitats have been detected thus far.
In the Channel NewsAsia interview (below), the Health Minister - in addition to halting the automatic isolation of Zika patients - announced subsidies for testing all symptomatic Zika cases, and a renewed focus on vector control.
SINGAPORE: The Republic will no longer be isolating patients who have contracted the Zika virus as the method is "no longer very effective", said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong on Monday (Sep 5).
- Posted 05 Sep 2016 18:00
In an exclusive interview with Channel NewsAsia, Mr Gan said when his ministry first discovered the Zika cluster, it was not certain of the extent, whether there was already large-scale transmission. Therefore, it was important for them to isolate patients then to prevent further spread even as investigations were carried out.
