Channel NewsAsia 9 Sep 16;
SINGAPORE: Twelve new cases of locally transmitted Zika were confirmed by authorities on Friday (Sep 9), bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 304.
In a joint statement, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) said that of the 12 new cases, 10 are linked to the Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive/ Kallang Way/ Paya Lebar Way cluster and one case is linked to the Elite Terrace cluster. The other new case has no known links to any existing cluster.
As of Friday, the main cluster spanning Aljunied Crescent, Sims Drive, Kallang Way and Paya Lebar Way accounts for 252 cases - more than 80% of the locally transmitted Zika cases in Singapore.
NEA added that it is continuing with vector control operations and outreach efforts in the cluster areas at Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive/Paya Lebar Way/Kallang Way/Circuit Road/ Geylang East Central/Geylang East Avenue 1; Bedok North Avenue 2/ Bedok North Avenue 3/ Bedok North Street 3; Joo Seng Road; Bishan Street 12; Elite Terrace and Ubi Crescent.
As of Sep 8, a total of 183 breeding habitats have been found and destroyed in the cluster areas, of which 114 are from homes, and 69 from common areas or other premises.
The agency said that, as a continuation from last weekend, outreach activities supporting the Mozzie Wipeout Movement Against Zika will be held all over Singapore this weekend "to urge all residents to join in the collective effort in the fight against Zika by doing the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout, removing stagnant water and not littering".
NEA added that public can obtain updated information on Zika and details on current clusters at its website.
- CNA/dt
