2 locally transmitted Zika cases in new Parry Avenue cluster: NEA

Pest control and National Environment Agency officers fogging Simon Place and the surrounding area after the first Zika cluster of the year was reported there, on March 30, 2017. ST PHOTO: DON WONG

SINGAPORE - Two locally transmitted Zika cases were confirmed at Parry Avenue, with the new cluster notified on Friday (June 9), the National Environment Agency said in a statement.

Both cases involved residents in the area, and NEA has started vector control operations there. It will begin outreach efforts in Parry Avenue with grassroots volunteers, handing out Zika information leaflets and insect repellents to households.

NEA urged residents and stakeholders to be vigilant and continue eliminating mosquito breeding habitats, and advised residents to apply repellent as a precaution.

It also requested residents to allow officers to inspect or conduct indoor spraying of their homes.

Most people infected with the Zika virus do not develop symptoms. This heightens the risk of a Zika resurgence, as it may take some time before a reintroduced Zika virus is detected.

NEA advised the public to see a doctor if they are unwell, especially if they exhibit symptoms such as fever and a rash. While there, they should also inform their doctors of where they live and work.

NEA said it had been conducting preventive inspections in the vicinity to detect and destroy any potential mosquito breeding habitats before the new cluster was notified.

There could be asympomatic or mild, undiagnosed cases which could cause further transmission of the virus if there are mosquitoes in the vicinity.

"With the presence of the Aedes mosquito vector here, everyone must therefore continue to maintain vigilance and play his part to prevent future localised transmission through eradicating mosquito breeding habitats in our neighbourhoods," said NEA.

Those planning to go on vacation are also advised to mosquito-proof their homes before leaving with these measures:

- Cover all toilet bowls in the home

- Cover all floor traps

- Add sand granular insecticide to places that mosquitoes could potentially breed, and places where stagnant water cannot be removed

- Clear blockages and add BTI insecticide in roof gutters

- Turn over all water storage containers

- Ask a relative or close friend to check your home regularly for stagnant water if you are going away for a long period of time

- Leave your contact details with your neighbours or the neighbourhood police post/centre so that you can be reached easily

For more information on Zika, visit www.nea.gov.sg/zika and www.nea.gov.sg/zika-clusters.

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