Zika FAQs

What is Zika Virus? 

Zika virus infection in humans has been reported since the 1950s. It is transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes(which bite in the daytime), identical to dengue. Zika is generally a mild disease. Zika may cause a viral fever similar to dengue or chikungunya, with fever, skin rashes, body aches and headache. However, most people infected with the Zikavirus infection do not develop symptoms. There is no vaccine or specific anti-viral drugs.

How is Zika Virus spread or transmitted?

The Zika virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Aedesmosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the common species found locally). A mosquito is infected when it takes a blood meal from a Zika-infected person and later transmits the virus to other people it bites.

What are some symptoms we have to look out for in Zika Virus?

Most people infected with the Zika virus do not develop symptoms. Otherwise, they usually develop within 3 to 12 days after the mosquito bite and are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya. Symptoms which often last between 4 to 7 days include:

* Fever
* Rashes
* Joint and/or muscle pain, headache
* Conjunctivitis (Red eyes)

What can we do to prevent and protect ourselves from contracting Zika virus?

Ensure no breeding source in and out of your home or work place

* Ensure no breeding source in and out of your home or work place
* Protect yourself from being bitten by wearing long, covered clothing
* Apply insect repellant for additional safety
* Keep cool

What is the difference between Zika virus and Dengue Fever?

All these diseases present similar symptoms, but certain symptoms suggest one disease or another:

* Dengue usually presents with higher fever and more severe muscle pain. There can be complications when the fever break
* Chikungunya presents with higher fever and more intense joint pain, affecting the hands, feet, knees and back
* Zika virus infection does not have clear characteristic features, but most patients have skin rashes and some with conjunctivitis

What kind of mosquito treatment can I adopt if there is no protection currently?

Mosquitoes can attack us from various lifecycle they are in. To ensure adequate protection, public are advised to engage in Water-based fogging treatment to control and reduce the adult mosquito population, and at the same time to take up a Larvicide treatment to control the development of mosquito breeding or larvae in stagnant water. For additional protection, public are also encourage to place indoor and outdoor mosquito trap too further control the population.

If I have existing mosquito control program at the moment, what do we need to do?

For public who have both adult mosquito and mosquito breeding control solutions, they can consider increasing the frequency of treatment during this period. For users who engage either one of the solution, they are encourage to ensure they are covered for both adult mosquito and mosquito breeding risks. Users can also opt for additional mosquito trap placement for an integrated protection.

How do I know if my location is a hotspot and how to identify any breeding source?

Public is encouraged to constantly keep themselves updated with the current clusters hot spots at http://outbreak.sgcharts.com or http://www.dengue.gov.sg/subject.asp?id=74

Rentokil specialists are also a call away. Our team of experts would help conduct a site survey at your premise to identify potential breeding source. You may reach out to your sales consultants, or alternatively drop an enquiry to 6347 8138 or email enquiry.sg@rentokil-initial.com