Even though Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency, it doesn’t mean Singapore is free from dangerous diseases.
To illustrate this, the Zika virus has made another comeback, after last being detected here in August 2022.
It has already infected three people in Kovan.
Source: CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences on Flickr
The authorities have advised people in the estate to monitor their health.
In a joint news release on Friday (12 May), the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) confirmed three cases of Zika in Singapore.
All three people either live or work in the Kovan area, they said.
Source: Google Maps
Unfortunately, one of the three cases has been hospitalised, the statement said. That person is currently in stable condition.
The other two cases are recovering at home.
None of them are pregnant, MOH and NEA clarified.
The NEA website has also revealed more details of the Zika cases.
One of them was detected on e-week 17, which corresponds with 23 to 29 Apr. The other two were found this week, which is e-week 19 (7 to 12 May).
Source: NEA
Among the two cases uncovered this week, one was reported on Wednesday (10 May) and the other on Thursday (11 May).
Source: NEA
The NEA also indicated that just one Zika cluster exists in Singapore so far.
That cluster is located around The Bently Residences.
Source: NEA
This is an apartment building with the address 30 Kovan Road.
Source: Google Maps
Two cases have been found there so far, though NEA has extended the boundary of the cluster to Highland Road and Upper Serangoon Road.
Source: NEA
MOH and NEA have stepped up precautionary control measures in light of the latest cluster.
This includes alerting doctors to be vigilant for patients with clinical symptoms compatible with Zika, and testing them accordingly,
This is especially if they reside or work in the Kovan area.
While there have been just three cases so far, this may not be the end of it. MOH and NEA warned that,
We cannot rule out that there are further cases, as most infected persons may display mild or no symptoms.
Thus, they advised Kovan residents to monitor their health, especially if they’re pregnant.
If they feel unwell with symptoms of Zika, they should seek medical attention and inform their doctors where they live and work.
In case you’re wondering, the symptoms of Zika include:
However, many infected people don’t develop symptoms.
Source: Health Claps on Flickr
Pregnant women are especially vulnerable because Zika can cause microcephaly (i.e. a smaller head) in unborn babies, though this is rare.
While the Zika virus hasn’t been a major concern in Singapore yet, it has reared its head intermittently.
The last time it surfaced was in August 2022, when one case was reported sometime between 21 and 27 Aug.
As Zika is transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito, all Singaporeans should play their part to prevent further transmission by eradicating mosquito breeding habitats.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences on Flickr and Google Maps.
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