27 new Zika cases reported on Sunday, bringing total number to 242: Authorities

Channel NewsAsia 4 Sep 16;

SINGAPORE: There are 27 new cases of locally transmitted Zika virus in Singapore, authorities said on Sunday (Sep 4), bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 242.

In a joint statement, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) said that of these new cases, 25 are linked to the Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive/ Kallang Way/ Paya Lebar Way cluster.

A potential new cluster in the Joo Seng Road area was also reported, involving one of the new cases confirmed on Sunday and one previously reported case. The remaining new case confirmed on Sunday has no known links to any existing cluster.

NEA said that it has been continuing with vector control operations in the Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive/ Kallang Way/ Paya Lebar Way cluster. As of Sep 3, 62 breeding habitats – comprising 36 in homes and 26 in common areas/other premises – have been detected and destroyed in the area.

It added that vector control operations and outreach efforts in the Bedok North Avenue cluster are also continuing. As of Saturday, 39 breeding habitats – 29 in homes and 10 in common areas/other premises – have been detected and destroyed.

NEA said it would also be carrying out vector control operations at the potential new cluster in the Joo Seng Road area.

- CNA/nc