38 new Zika cases reported on Friday, bringing total to 189

SINGAPORE — There are 38 new cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection in Singapore, as of 12pm Friday (Sept 2), bringing the total number of cases to 189.

Of the new cases, four have no known links to any existing cluster, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) in a joint statement. The 34 other cases are linked to the Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive/ Kallang Way/ Paya Lebar Way cluster.

The statement said the 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, 55 breeding habitats (30 in homes and 25 in common areas/other premises) have been detected and destroyed.

The NEA has also conducted vector control operations and outreach efforts in Bedok North Avenue 3.

As of Thursday, 19 breeding habitats (12 in homes and 7 in common areas/other premises) have been detected and destroyed. Mosquito control measures are ongoing.

“There will be community outreach activities over the coming two weekends across the island to urge all residents to join in the collective efforts in the fight against Zika by doing the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout, removing stagnant water and not littering,” said the statement.