Although no cases of the Zika virus have been reported in Singapore so far, it is time Singaporeans took steps to prevent any cases of this disease ("Zika 'set to spread across the Americas'"; yesterday).

The virus is transmitted via the same mosquitoes that spread dengue, but the effects on humans are different.

The virus has been spreading in the Americas, and it causes babies to be born with small heads; the condition can be fatal.

Given Singapore's hot and humid climate that mosquitoes thrive in, we need to be prepared for a possible outbreak ("Call for vigilance as Singapore is 'vulnerable' to the virus"; Monday).

Jong Ching Yee (Miss)