NEA steps up vector control after 2 Zika cases in Woodlands

Agency says its enhanced surveillance has detected persistent virus signals in the area

- Angelica Ang

Two Zika cases have been confirmed in Woodlands Street 11 and Street 32, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) in conjunction with the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) in a Facebook post on June 19.

The two patients are female and were not pregnant at the time of infection, NEA and CDA said in a joint media reply, adding that both of them are in stable condition.

As one patient resides within an active dengue cluster while the other lives in an area with a recently closed cluster, the authorities have stepped up vector control efforts.

These include conducting inspections to remove mosquito-breeding habitats, oiling drains and spraying insecticide in premises and around the locations.

A total of 116 mosquito-breeding habitats have been detected and destroyed so far.

Following each case notification, NEA commenced wastewater and mosquito surveillance in the surrounding residential area.