Two new Zika cases at Kensington Park Drive

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

SINGAPORE - The National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a statement on Wednesday (June 21) that two cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection in Singapore had been confirmed at Kensington Park Drive.

Both cases were residents from the vicinity.

The NEA has commenced vector control operations at the cluster area. It also urged residents to maintain vigilance and to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats as there is a risk of further transmission of the virus from undiagnosed cases.

The NEA has already conducted previous inspections in the area to detect and destroy potential mosquito breeding habitats before the announcement about this new cluster.

But it will now begin outreach efforts in the neighbourhood with grassroots volunteers. These efforts include the distribution of Zika information leaflets and insect repellent to households in order to raise the general awareness of Zika, and reiterate the need to prevent mosquito breeding.

Residents in the area are advised to apply mosquito repellent as a precautionary measure.

They are also requested to allow NEA officers to carry out inspections and indoor spraying of their homes.

NEA said that it urges all residents and stakeholders to maintain vigilance and take immediate steps to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats by practising the five-step Mozzie Wipeout.

NEA added that most people infected with the Zika virus do not develop symptoms, which heightens the risk of a Zika resurgence as it may take some time before a reintroduced Zika virus is detected.

Members of the public are advised to seek medical attention if they are unwell, especially with symptoms such as fever and rash. They should also inform their doctors of the location of their residence and workplace.

If you are planning to go on vacation, you should mosquito-proof your home before travelling by taking these mosquito prevention measures:

- Covering all toilet bowls in the home

- Covering all floor traps

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

- Clearing blockages and adding BTI insecticide in roof gutters

- Turning over all water storage containers

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

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

Updated information on Zika and details on current clusters can be obtained from NEA's website: www.nea.gov.sg/zika and www.nea.gov.sg/zika-clusters.

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