Zika outbreak: 33 more confirmed cases, new potential cluster at Bedok North Ave 3

SINGAPORE — A total of 33 more locally transmitted Zika cases were confirmed on Wednesday (Aug 31), bringing the total number of cases to 115. The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced the latest figures as it also identified a potential cluster of Zika virus infection at the Bedok North Avenue 3 area.

Of the 33 cases, 24 are new cases. Among them, 22 are from the Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive/ Kallang Way/ Paya Lebar cluster, said the MOH. Two cases had no known links to the affected area: One case lives at Joo Seng Road, and the other at Punggol Way. 

The remaining nine cases were detected as a result of the MOH’s look-back testing of previous cases. Look back cases are those that were not referred by General Practitioners but were previously reported to have shown symptoms and were not tested for Zika.

The potential cluster at Bedok North Avenue 3 area involves three previously reported Zika cases. One of the cases works at the Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive area while the other two cases had no known links.

The MOH said most of the cases have been sent home or discharged, which is after they are no longer infectious.