Boon Lay Place is currently under surveillance due to the detection of persistent Zika virus signals in the area. Following the report of a single Zika case in December, both the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) have intensified monitoring efforts in the region, as announced on Thursday (Feb 22).
Although no additional Zika cases have been reported, enhanced surveillance, including mosquito and wastewater testing, has revealed ongoing Zika virus signals in the area, according to a joint news release by MOH and NEA.
The identified area includes prominent landmarks such as Boon Lay Place Market and Food Village, Boon Lay Shopping Centre, as well as Housing Board blocks along Boon Lay Place. Other locations encompassed within the surveillance zone are the Church of St Francis of Assisi and ActiveSG Hockey Village Gym @ Boon Lay.
Despite escalated precautionary measures, MOH and NEA acknowledge the possibility of further cases, considering that many infected individuals may exhibit mild or no symptoms. Healthcare providers have been advised to remain vigilant and consider Zika testing for patients presenting clinically compatible symptoms, particularly those residing or working in the Boon Lay area.
Residents in proximity to Boon Lay Place, especially pregnant women, are urged to take necessary precautions and monitor their health closely. Those experiencing symptoms suggestive of Zika virus infection, such as rashes, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, or conjunctivitis, are encouraged to seek prompt medical attention, providing details of their residential and workplace locations to healthcare professionals.
Since November, NEA has been conducting comprehensive vector control operations in the Boon Lay area, where dengue cases have also been reported. Efforts include indoor insecticide spraying at residential premises to eliminate adult mosquitoes and inspections of communal areas to eradicate mosquito breeding sites through larviciding activities.
Residents are reminded to cooperate with NEA officers for premise inspections and insecticide spraying to promptly eliminate adult mosquitoes and disrupt the Zika transmission chain.
Similar to dengue, Zika virus infection primarily spreads through the Aedes mosquito vector. Authorities stress the importance of sustained vigilance and collective efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats in premises and surrounding areas to prevent further transmission.
Zika can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus or through sexual contact. MOH and NEA advise individuals diagnosed with Zika virus infection to take precautions against mosquito bites to prevent further dissemination.
Infected men are advised to practice safe sex or abstain from sexual activity for at least three months post-recovery to prevent sexual transmission. Similarly, women who test positive for Zika should practice safe sex or refrain from intercourse for a minimum of two months after recovery before attempting conception.
Additional information on Zika is available on the Ministry of Health’s website, while details regarding Zika cases and clusters can be accessed through the NEA website. As of Thursday, no active Zika clusters have been identified in Singapore.
Sources:
https://www.nea.gov.sg/media/news/news/index/potential-zika-transmission-at-boon-lay-place
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/zika-boon-lay-place-mosquito-cases-virus-signals-wastewater-test-moh-nea-4141901
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