Singapore’s Largest Zika Cluster Closes, Placed Under Surveillance: NEA

SINGAPORE, Oct. 18 (PNA/Xinhua) — Singapore’s first and largest Zika cluster at Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive area was closed on Oct. 9 after no new cases were reported there for two weeks, announced the National Environment Agency (NEA) on Tuesday.

NEA had continued to keep the area under close surveillance, and will continue to do so until Oct. 31, three weeks after the cluster closure date, said the government agency in the press release.

Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive area was the first Zika cluster notified on Aug. 27, and a total of 298 Zika cases were reported.

Since the cluster was notified, NEA had conducted inspections in residential premises and outdoor areas, including common areas in the estate. A total of 128 mosquito breeding habitats were detected and destroyed.

With the closure of the first local Zika cluster, two active Zika clusters remain, that in Ubi Ave. 1 and Jalan Chengkak/Jalan Raya, which were recently notified on Oct. 13 and Monday respectively, added NEA.

The government agency also urged all residents and stakeholders to maintain vigilance and continue to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats. (PNA/Xinhua)
CVL/SSC

(Source: PNA.gov.ph)