Fox News : declared in Singapore confirms two new cases of Zika virus

Singapore has confirmed two cases of locally transmitted infections of the Zika virus in a northeastern part of the city state, the National Environment Agency said on Wednesday, describing it as the first Zika cluster of 2017. Singapore had already reported six cases in the first 12 weeks of this year, the agency's website shows. "Both cases are residents in the vicinity and from the same household," the agency said in a statement. Last year, more than 400 people became infected with the virus, following discovery of the first case in August. There is no preventive treatment against Zika, but drug companies are rushing to develop a vaccine.

Maryland remains concerned about Zika virus

AdvertisementBut the Maryland Department of Health said there have already been six cases of the virus reported this year in Maryland. Feldman said last year there were 174 cases of Zika virus reported in Maryland. "Zika can cause devastating consequences to developing fetuses, so pregnant woman are advised not to travel at all to areas where there is active Zika transmission," Feldman said. The concerns over the mosquito-borne Zika virus diminished over the winter. The health department released a public service announcement this year with tips to prevent mosquitoes and information about how Zika virus is spread.


Most people infected with the Zika virus do not develop symptoms, which heightens the risk of a Zika resurgence as it may take some time before a reintroduced Zika virus is detected. Two cases of locally-transmitted Zika virus infection in Singapore have been confirmed at Simon Place. According to National Environment Agency (NEA), both cases are from residents in the vicinity and from the same household. The Zika cluster was notified on Tuesday (28 March) and vector control operations are being carried out in the vicinity. NEA also urges all residents and stakeholders to maintain vigilance and take immediate steps to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats.


collected by :Sandra Alex
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