Press Releases
Situation Update and Advisory to Centres on Zika Virus
29 Aug 2016
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) has confirmed on 28 August 2016 that there are 41 cases of locally transmitted Zika Virus infection in Singapore.
2. Zika is generally a mild disease and many people infected with the Zika virus do not even develop symptoms. Like dengue, it is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Zika virus infection can however cause microcephaly in the unborn foetuses of pregnant women. The symptoms are similar to dengue with fever, skin rashes, body aches (joint pains, muscle pains, headaches) and conjunctivitis.
3. MOH and NEA have identified the following areas of concerns:
- Aljunied Crescent
- Sims Drive
- Khatib camp
- Sembawang Drive
- Joo Chiat Place
- Senoko South Road
- Toh Guan East
- Lorong 101 Changi
- Kranji Road
4. MOH has advised those who are working or living at the above areas to monitor their health. They should seek medical attention if they are unwell, especially if they develop symptoms such as fever and rash, and inform their doctors of the location of their residence and workplace.
5. ECDA advises centres to conduct activities and programmes as per normal with the following precautions:
- Centres should be more vigilant of children and staff’s health condition.
- For those who display the symptoms of Zika, centres should get them to seek prompt medical attention.
- Ensure that teachers and children apply insect repellent regularly.
- Centres should play an active role to minimize the risk of any spread of Zika in Singapore, by doing the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout. You may refer to the NEA website on the precautionary measures to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Centres may wish to take other appropriate measures, as they deem necessary, to minimise vector transmission.
6. Please refer to the MOH website for the latest update of the Zika Virus situation.