Additional Measures Against Zika Virus

 1.           The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the recent cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurological disorders reported in Brazil, following a similar cluster in French Polynesia in 2014, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 1 February 2016. In view of this, the government is introducing additional precautionary measures against Zika.

2.            The WHO has recommended a number of precautionary measures, including improving Zika infection surveillance, prioritising the development of new diagnostic tests, enhancing risk communications in countries with Zika virus transmission, and stepping up vector control and appropriate personal protective measures. As a causal relationship between Zika infection during pregnancy and microcephaly is strongly suspected (though not scientifically proven), the WHO also recommends that pregnant women who have been exposed to the Zika virus should be counselled and followed for birth outcomes.

3.            The WHO’s Emergency Committee has found no public health justification for restrictions on travel or trade to prevent the spread of Zika virus.

Measures taken by MOH and NEA

4.            Prior to the WHO’s declaration, MOH and NEA have stepped up precautionary measures to reduce the risk of the Zika virus taking root in Singapore. Since 26 January 2016, Zika virus infection has been added to the List of Notifiable Infectious Diseases under the Infectious Diseases Act. MOH has issued a circular to doctors on 27 January to raise awareness of Zika virus infection so that they stay vigilant against possible suspect cases and are familiar with the protocols for testing and dealing with confirmed cases.

5.            To prevent Zika from becoming entrenched in our local population, all confirmed cases will be admitted to a public hospital until they recover and test negative for the virus. MOH will also screen people in close vicinity of the case (e.g. household, colleagues) for the Zika virus.

6.            In addition, health advisories have been issued to travellers to and from Zika-affected countries on how to protect themselves against mosquito bites. We have also reminded travellers who have returned to Singapore from affected areas to monitor their health and consult a doctor if they have symptoms of Zika, such as fever, skin rashes, joint and muscle pains, headaches and red eyes, and to reveal their travel history to their doctor.

Additional measures

7.            In light of the WHO’s declaration on 1 February 2016, we have introduced additional measures that are in line with its recommendations. Currently blood samples of suspected Zika virus cases are tested at the National Public Health Laboratory. MOH will expand Zika virus testing capability to public hospital laboratories.

8.            As a causal relationship between Zika infection during pregnancy and microcephaly is strongly suspected, MOH will set up a Clinical Advisory Group on Zika virus infection and pregnancy to provide expert advice on the management of pregnant women with Zika virus infection.

9.            As Zika is transmitted through mosquitoes, vector control remains the mainstay to prevent transmission of the Zika virus. NEA has already stepped up its vector control efforts, in partnership with the community, agencies and stakeholders, to control the mosquito population in response to the ongoing dengue outbreak. This will help keep the mosquito population low.

Vigilance in the community

10.         Vector control remains critical in preventing transmission and reducing the risk of the virus taking root in Singapore. It is critical that all of us as a community continue to play our part by remaining vigilant. We urge all Singaporeans to take the appropriate precautions to prevent mosquito breeding by doing the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout weekly by:

• Changing water in vases and bowls on alternate days;

• Removing water from flower pot plates on alternate days;

• Turning over all water storage containers;

• Covering bamboo pole holders when not in use; and

• Clearing blockages and put BTI insecticide in roof gutters monthly.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
3 FEBRUARY 2016