Singapore takes Zika precautions
Print Edition
SINGAPORE is encouraging residents to use insect repellent, clear blockages in drains and wear long-sleeved clothing to protect themselves from mosquitoes after the number of Zika infections rose to 189 in the city-state.
Open-air food centers in affected districts had few lunchtime patrons yesterday, many apparently fearful of contracting the mosquito-borne virus.
“I understand the food court and all that business is affected but we shouldn’t behave like that,” said retiree David Lye, 67, one of the very few customers at the large Macpherson Market and Food Center. “We should be positive and do our part to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes,” said Lye. He said he has not been using any mosquito repellant.
Singapore announced its first Zika infection in May, with the virus imported by a 48-year-old man who had traveled to Brazil. On Thursday, the Ministry of Health and the National Environment Agency confirmed 31 more locally transmitted cases, bringing the total to 189, including two pregnant women.
The number includes visitors from Malaysia, and Indonesian and Chinese nationals residing in the city-state.
The Zika virus has mild effects on most people, but can be fatal for unborn children. Infection during pregnancy is believed to result in babies with small heads — a condition called microcephaly — and other brain defects.
“So far I have been going to work ... I have been going shopping. Everyone is still living their life as per normal,” said retail supervisor Shubez Chakraverty.
“After all, it’s something we cannot control and it’s a very minute ... animal that goes around so it’s difficult to monitor.”
The Ministry of Health and the National Environment Agency said the government’s objective is to keep the incidence of the disease low by reducing the mosquito population and breaking the disease transmission chain.
Pest-control workers have been fumigating areas across the island nation.
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