SINGAPORE: Boon Lay Place is being closely monitored for potential Zika transmission, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Thursday (Feb 22).
One case was reported in December last year.
“While there have been no more Zika cases reported in this area since then, enhanced surveillance involving mosquito and wastewater testing has revealed persistent Zika virus signals in the area, which suggests ongoing Zika transmission,” said MOH and NEA in a joint news release.
A map of the area with likely Zika transmission includes local landmarks such as Boon Lay Place Market and Food Village, Boon Lay Shopping Centre as well as Housing Board Blocks near Boon Lay Avenue and Corporation Road.
Although precautionary control measures have been stepped up, MOH and NEA said that they cannot rule out the possibility of further cases as most infected persons may display mild or no symptoms.
MOH has alerted doctors to be vigilant and to test for Zika among patients with clinically compatible symptoms, especially for individuals residing or working in the Boon Lay area.
“We advise residents in and around the Boon Lay Place area, especially pregnant women, to protect themselves and monitor their health closely. They should seek medical attention if unwell with Zika virus infection symptoms, which include rashes, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache and/or conjunctivitis (red eye). They should also inform their doctors of the location of their residence and workplace.”
Similar to the dengue virus, the Zika virus infection is transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito.
“With the presence of the Aedes mosquito vector in Singapore, everyone must continue to maintain vigilance and play a part in preventing further transmission through eradicating mosquito breeding habitats at both premises and immediate surroundings,” said the authorities.