Twelve new cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection were yesterday detected in Singapore.
Of these, 10 were linked to the Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive/ Paya Lebar Way/Kallang Way cluster, and one to the Elite Terrace cluster. The last case has no known links to any existing cluster, said the Ministry of Health and the National Environment Agency (NEA) yesterday.
The latest update brings the total number of confirmed Zika cases here to 304 since the first locally transmitted infection was diagnosed two weeks ago.
The statement said NEA is continuing with vector control operations and outreach efforts at the six cluster areas in:
• Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive/ Paya Lebar Way/Kallang Way/ Circuit Road/ Geylang East Central/ Geylang East Avenue 1;
• Bedok North Avenue 2/ Bedok North Avenue 3/ Bedok North Street 3;
• Joo Seng Road;
• Bishan Street 12;
• Elite Terrace; and
• Ubi Crescent.
As of Thursday, a total of 183 breeding habitats had been found and destroyed in the cluster areas, of which 114 were in homes, and 69 in common areas/other premises, the agencies said.
They continued to emphasise the importance of reducing mosquito breeding, with vector control being key to reducing the transmission of the Zika virus.
Mr Edwin Tong, an MP for the Marine Parade GRC under which the Elite Terrace cluster falls, said he visited the private residential area with some NEA officers on Thursday night.
"By and large, people are calm, although they are concerned if there could be mosquitoes breeding in homes under construction or vacant homes. I've asked NEA to look into these areas," said Mr Tong, who urged residents to be vigilant against breeding mosquitoes.
Information on Zika and details on current clusters can be found at www.nea.gov.sg/zika and www.nea.gov.sg/zika-clusters.
Audrey Tan
