SINGAPORE, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Singapore confirmed 38 new cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection as of Friday, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) in a joint statement.
Friday's update brings the total number of Zika infections in Singapore to 189. MOH said that of the newly reported cases, 34 cases are linked to the Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive/Kallang Way/ Paya Lebar Way cluster, while four cases have no known links to any existing cluster.
The joint statement underlined that vector control remains key to reducing the spread of the Zika virus. The government agencies urged premises owners should undertake vector control measures regularly and residents also need to prevent mosquito breeding in their homes by doing the five-step Mozzie Wipeout.
NEA has been continuing with vector control operations to control the Aedes mosquito population in Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive/Kallang Way/Paya Lebar Way. As of Thursday, it was reported that 55 breeding habitats have been detected and destroyed. Indoor spraying of insecticides, outdoor fogging, and oiling and flushing of drains are continuing.
The government agency has also worked through the Inter-Agency Dengue Task Force members to carry out vector control measures at their respective premises and assets, such as schools, construction sites, and expressway drains.
NEA officers and grassroots volunteers have completed outreach efforts in the Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive, and are conducting outreach in the expanded cluster areas in Paya Lebar Way/Kallang Way.
Vector control operations and outreach efforts has also been done in Bedok North Avenue 3, said NEA. As of Thursday, 19 breeding habitats have been detected and destroyed. Mosquito control measures are ongoing.
According to the joint statement, there will be community outreach activities over the coming two weekends across the city state to urge all residents to join in the collective efforts in the fight against Zika.
