SINGAPORE - It is "almost inevitable" that the Zika virus will reach Singapore, and that is why Singaporeans need to be alert to the threat, said Senior Minister of State for Health Amy Khor on Sunday (April 17) morning.
"Due to the volume of travel by Singaporeans, as well as the large number of tourists visiting Singapore all year round, it is almost inevitable that there will be cases of Zika imported to Singapore," said Dr Khor, who is also Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources.
The mosquito-borne virus has been reported in various neighbouring countries, including the Philippines, Thailand, and East Malaysia.
Two weeks ago, Vietnam reported its first cases of the disease.
Dr Khor was speaking to around 500 women at a seminar organised by the People's Association for people to learn more about the Zika virus.
At the seminar, participants learnt to identify the symptoms of infection, as well as about the threat it poses to pregnant women.
