Potential Zika transmission at Boon Lay Place after one case reported, persistent virus signals found in area

SINGAPORE: Boon Lay Place is being closely monitored for potential Zika transmission after testing found persistent virus signals in the area. 

Surveillance was stepped up after one Zika case was reported in December, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Thursday (Feb 22).

“While there have been no more Zika cases reported in this area since then, enhanced surveillance involving mosquito and wastewater testing has revealed persistent Zika virus signals in the area, which suggests ongoing Zika transmission,” they said in a joint news release. 

The area in question includes local landmarks such as Boon Lay Place Market and Food Village, Boon Lay Shopping Centre as well as Housing Board blocks along Boon Lay Place. 

The Church of St Francis of Assisi and ActiveSG Hockey Village Gym @ Boon Lay also fall under the area.

Although precautionary control measures have been stepped up, MOH and NEA said that they cannot rule out the possibility of further cases as most infected persons may display mild or no symptoms.

MOH said it has alerted doctors to be vigilant and to test for Zika among patients with clinically compatible symptoms, especially for individuals residing or working in the Boon Lay area.

“We advise residents in and around the Boon Lay Place area, especially pregnant women, to protect themselves and monitor their health closely.

"They should seek medical attention if unwell with Zika virus infection symptoms, which include rashes, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache and/or conjunctivitis (red eye). They should also inform their doctors of the location of their residence and workplace.”

Since November, NEA has been conducting "intensive vector control" operations at the Boon Lay area where dengue cases were also reported.

Indoor spraying of insecticides at residential premises in the area is being carried out to kill adult mosquitoes, said the joint press release.

Inspection and larviciding were also conducted in common areas to destroy any mosquito breeding.

"Residents are urged to allow NEA officers to inspect their premises, and spray insecticide to enable immediate removal of adult mosquitoes to stop the chain of Zika transmission."

PREVENT FURTHER SPREAD

Similar to the dengue virus, the Zika virus infection is transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito. 

“With the presence of the Aedes mosquito vector in Singapore, everyone must continue to maintain vigilance and play a part in preventing further transmission through eradicating mosquito breeding habitats at both premises and immediate surroundings,” said the authorities. 

Zika can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her foetus or through sex.

MOH and NEA advised those with Zika virus infection to take protective measures against mosquito bites to prevent further spread.

Infected men should practise safe sex or abstain from sex for at least three months after recovery to prevent sexual transmission. If a woman is confirmed positive for Zika, she should practise safe sex or abstain from sexual intercourse for at least two months after recovery, before trying to conceive.

More information on Zika is available on the Health Ministry's website. Further information on Zika cases and clusters can be found on the NEA website. 

As of Thursday, there are no active Zika clusters in Singapore.