Fifteen more cases of locally-transmitted Zika virus have been confirmed in Singapore, the city-state’s Ministry of Health (MOH) said late Monday.
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MOH has confirmed 41 cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection in Singapore, and of these, 34 people have fully recovered while the other seven, who are still symptomatic and potentially infectious, are recovering at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
The first case of local transmission was confirmed on Saturday, 27 August, following blood and urine tests.
On Monday, inspectors from the environment agency checking for mosquito-breeding sites visited homes in the area as well as dormitories housing foreign workers.
A public service announcement banner against the spread of Aedes mosquitoes, a carrier for the Zika virus, is seen at a residential block at Aljunied Crescent neighbourhood in Singapore on August 29, 2016.
Almost all have recovered but five more suspected cases of Zika virus infection were reported Monday by a clinic, local media said.
Singapore, a major regional financial center and busy transit hub, which maintains a constant vigil against the mosquito-borne dengue virus, reported its first Zika case in May, imported by a middle-aged man who had been to Brazil.
They should seek medical attention if they are unwell, especially with symptoms of fever and rash, and pregnant women should adopt strict mosquito precaution if traveling to affected areas, the ministry said.
The World Health Organization has said there is strong scientific consensus that Zika can also cause Guillain-Barre, a rare neurological syndrome that causes temporary paralysis in adults.
Since being detected in Brazil a year ago, the mosquito-borne Zika virus has made inroads across the Americas, including parts of the U.S. Last week, China said it added the U.S.to a list of Zika-infected countries.
The UK government has also advised women who are pregnant or planning to conceive to discuss their travel plans with their doctor before travelling to Singapore. The virus has been linked to serious birth defects in children whose mothers were infected during the pregnancy.
“The look-back exercise will likely uncover more previously undiagnosed cases of Zika”, the statement said.
The Australian government is urging pregnant women to avoid non-essential travel to Singapore.
“This confirms that local transmission of Zika virus infection has taken place”.
Three other cases have tested positive in preliminary tests on their urine samples and are due further checks.
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According to the agency, 19 breeding habitats were found and destroyed during their inspection of 1,800 out of an estimated 6,000 premises in the area.
