Rise in Zika cases: How pregnant women can avoid infection

Cover up, apply mozzie repellent, say doctors and MOH, as women seek advice from clinics, online

Several women's clinics, such as The Women's Specialist (above) in Aljunied, have reported more calls than usual as people sought information on Zika. On social media sites, some expectant mothers living in the affected area of Aljunied Crescent/Sims
Several women's clinics, such as The Women's Specialist (above) in Aljunied, have reported more calls than usual as people sought information on Zika. On social media sites, some expectant mothers living in the affected area of Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive wondered if they should move out temporarily. ST PHOTOS: MARCUS TAN, LIM YAOHUI
Several women's clinics, such as The Women's Specialist (above) in Aljunied, have reported more calls than usual as people sought information on Zika. On social media sites, some expectant mothers living in the affected area of Aljunied Crescent/Sims
Thermal fogging around Block 50, Sims Drive, yesterday. ST PHOTOS: MARCUS TAN, LIM YAOHUI

Wear long-sleeved clothing, use mosquito repellent, sleep in air- conditioned rooms and reconsider travel plans to areas with local transmission of the Zika virus.

That was the advice doctors and the Ministry of Health (MOH) had for pregnant women as concerns grew over the spread of the Aedes mosquito-borne virus.

While mild for most, Zika can be dangerous for unborn children. Around 1 per cent to 13 per cent of women infected while pregnant could give birth to babies with small heads - a condition known as microcephaly - and other brain defects.

On social media sites and online forums, some expectant mothers living in the affected area of Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive wondered if they should move out temporarily.

Others asked if they needed to be tested for Zika regularly after the MOH confirmed 41 locally transmitted cases on Sunday.

One thing in common, however, was the use of mosquito repellents and patches - with many debating the effectiveness of different brands.

Mrs Michelle Tan is currently eight months into her pregnancy. She lives in Shunfu Road in Thomson, outside the affected area.

But the 33-year-old, who works in the banking industry, said: "I'm not too sure what the full facts are. I'm just putting on mosquito patches and using repellent on my arms and legs."

Ms Alina Aziz, a 28-year-old who is eight months pregnant, shared the same worries.

Ms Alina, who works in the healthcare industry, said: "Of course I'm concerned. I'm taking precautions but I don't know if it's enough. We can use mosquito patches, but maybe the mosquitoes are already immune to the smell."

A spokesman for the Guardian chain of pharmacies said that sales of mosquito repellents and patches in its five Aljunied outlets have tripled compared with last week.

Several women's clinics, such as The Women's Specialist in Aljunied Avenue 2, also reported more calls than usual as people sought information on Zika.

Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Denas Chandra, who works there and has 26 years of experience, advised: "If you have a fever, rashes, headache, red eyes or joint pains, see a gynaecologist."

Associate Professor Arijit Biswas, head of obstetrics and gynaecology at the National University Hospital, said the risk to unborn babies is highest during a pregnancy's first trimester (first three months) and the early part of the second trimester.

Some pregnant women said they were not overly concerned, generally because they did not live in the affected areas or had not displayed any symptoms of Zika infection. But they were still not leaving things to chance.

Ms Fhebe Haro Calaycay, 32, an accountant who lives near Guillemard Road, stopped as she left a gynaecology clinic to spray some mosquito repellent on her arms and legs.

"I don't think there are Zika cases in the area I live in but I'm just taking precautions because I'm pregnant," she said.

Ms Nandhini Santhoshkumar, a 26-year-old software engineer who is three months pregnant with her first child, is taking things calmly.

"I know about the Zika situation but I'm not too worried as I've not had the symptoms so far.

"But I'll take precautions like spraying repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing."

•Additional reporting by Joanna Seow

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 30, 2016, with the headline Rise in Zika cases: How pregnant women can avoid infection. Subscribe