Zika Alert in Singapore: To step up vigilance and protection

1 September 2016

115 Zika cases have been reported in Singapore, and total accumulated dengue cases have reached 11,110 since January 2016. Health authorities have potentially forecast a record high of 30,000 dengue cases by end of the year, it is critical to step up vigilance and protection against mosquito bites and placing ourselves risks of transmitting these fatal diseases.

What is Zika virus? It is a virus infection that is transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, and identical to that of a Dengue. Zika may cause viral fever, with skin rashes, body aches and headache. However, the danger is, most people whom are infected do not develop symptoms. The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. These Aedes mosquitoes get infected when it feeds a blood meal from a Zika-infected person, who in turn transmits the virus to people they bite on.

What can you do to minimise placing yourself at risks in contracting the disease?

• Ensure no breeding source in and out of your home or work place. (Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean and stagnant water)
• Protect yourself from being bitten by wearing long, covered clothing.
• Apply insect repellant for additional safety
• Ensure your home or work place is adequately treated in controlling the adult mosquito population and application of Larvicide to target at the larval life stage of the mosquito.
• Additional protection such as indoor and outdoor mosquito trapped can be installed for peace of mind

Seek medical treatment if you are unwell or approach for medical advice if you are unsure if your symptoms are Zika positive. Some symptoms to look out for include:

• Fever
• Rash
• Joint paints, muscle pain and headache
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• Symptoms that last between 4 to 7 days

Stay vigilant and observe any potential risks by inspecting your environment on any presence of breeding mosquitoes diligently. Engage a specialist to help you inspect for assurance and trustworthiness. An enhanced mosquito protection program is available to protect your family and workers.

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