First Zika cluster of 2017 reported at Simon Place in Hougang

wo locally transmitted cases of the Zika virus have been confirmed at Simon Place. - The Straits Times/Asia News Network

SINGAPORE: Two locally transmitted cases of the Zika virus have been confirmed at Simon Place, near Kovan in Hougang. Both are residents from the same household.

The cluster was notified on Tuesday (March 28) and vector control operations are being carried out.

Residents should remain vigilant in detecting mosquito breeding spots, as there could still be asymptomatic or mild, undiagnosed cases which can cause further transmission of the virus.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has commenced vector control operations and outreach activities at the cluster.

As of Wednesday (March 29), NEA has inspected about 120 out of some 400 premises in Simon Place for mosquito breeding, alongside ground checks in the vicinity.

Seven breeding habitats in homes and three in other premises have been detected and destroyed.

Indoor spraying of insecticides, together with thermal fogging and misting at outdoor areas, have been carried out.

NEA officers and grassroots volunteers are distributing information leaflets and insect repellents to households, to raise awareness of Zika.

They also stress the need to prevent mosquito breeding, and tell residents to apply repellent as a precaution.

Residents are requested to allow NEA officers to carry out inspections and indoor spraying of their homes.

The five-step Mozzie Wipeout should also be practised.

Most people infected with the Zika virus do not develop symptoms, so it may take some time before a reintroduced virus is detected.

Members of the public are advised to seek medical attention if they are unwell, especially with symptoms such as fever and rash.

They should also inform their doctors of the location of their residence and workplace.

For more information on Zika and details on current clusters, head to NEA's website at www.nea.gov.sg/zika and www.nea.gov.sg/zika-clusters. - The Straits Times/Asia News Network