On 6 March 2024, Singapore's Minister for Sustainable Development and Environment and Minister for Trade Relations, Fu Haiyan, replied in writing to Jurong GRC MP Wong Wai Chung regarding the spread of Zika virus in Parliament.
Right: Jurong GRC MP Wong Wai Chung
The following is a translation of the Singapore Eye based on Parliamentary sources:
Detect and prevent potential Zika virus transmission in Boon Lai Fong
Hon Wong Wai-chung asked:
(a) How is it detected?
(b) What steps were taken after the discovery?
(c) How does the department track the region?
(d) What specific measures are being implemented to prevent the spread of Zika virus?
Minister Fu Haiyan replied:
In December 2023, there was a case of Zika virus in Boon Lai Fang. Although no more cases have been detected in the area, enhanced surveillance by the National Environment Agency (NEA) through mosquito collection and sewage testing by the Gravitraps mosquito trap device has detected Zika virus signals, suggesting the possible presence of Zika virus.
The NEA will continue to monitor mosquito sewage samples in the area for further testing for Zika virus. The Ministry of Health has also informed doctors to be vigilant and to test those who are symptomatic for Zika virus, especially those who live or work in the area around Boon Lai Place.
Zika disease is usually a mild and self-limiting disease. However, in rare cases, infected pregnant women may give birth to babies with certain birth defects, including those with microcephaly. Therefore, we take the testing of all Zika cases seriously and urge residents, especially pregnant women, to closely monitor their health and take personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as spraying insecticides in dark corners, applying insect repellent, and wearing long sleeves and long pants.
The following is the content of the question in English:
DETECTION AND PREVENTION OF POTENTIAL ZIKA TRANSMISSION AT BOON LAY PLACE
Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment with regard to the potential Zika transmission at Boon Lay Place (a) how was it detected; (b) what steps were immediately taken following the detection; (c) how is the Ministry tracking it in the area; and (d) what specific measures are being implemented to prevent the spread of the Zika virus.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: In December 2023, one Zika case was reported at Boon Lay Place. Although no further cases have been reported in the area, the National Environment Agency’s (NEA)’s enhanced surveillance through monitoring mosquitoes collected from Gravitraps and wastewater testing revealed persistent Zika virus signals, which suggested possible Zika transmission.
Since November 2023, NEA has been conducting intensive vector control operations at the Boon Lay area where dengue cases were also reported. These include indoor spraying of insecticides at residential premises to kill adult mosquitoes and larviciding at common areas to destroy any mosquito breeding. Such efforts will mitigate both dengue and Zika transmission, given that they are both spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. NEA officers and grassroots leaders have also conducted outreach activities in the vicinity to raise awareness on the need to remove stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding.
NEA will continue to monitor mosquito and wastewater samples from the area for further Zika virus signals. The Ministry of Health has also 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.
Zika is generally a mild and self-limiting disease. However, in rare cases, pregnant women who are infected can give birth to babies with certain birth defects, including microcephaly. We therefore take all cases of Zika detection seriously and urge residents, especially pregnant women, to monitor their health closely and take personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as by spraying insecticides in dark corners, applying insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants.
CF丨Editor
Edited by CF丨
Singapore Parliament丨Source
Singapore Parliament丨Source
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