Singapore confirmed nine new cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection on Thursday, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) in a joint statement.

Thursday's update brings the total number of Zika infections in Singapore to 292. The ministry said among these newly reported cases, four cases are linked to the Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive/ Kallang Way/ Paya Lebar Way cluster; one case is linked to the Bishan Street 12 cluster; and one case is linked to the Elite Terrace cluster.

There is a potential new cluster involving two previously reported cases and a new case on Thursday. One of the previously unlinked cases in the cluster was reported on Wednesday and his work address was verified on Thursday. They all work in the Ubi Crescent area. The other two cases have no known links to any existing cluster.

NEA is continuing with vector control operations and outreach efforts in the cluster areas. As of Wednesday, a total of 166 breeding habitats have been found and destroyed, of which 108 are from homes, and 58 from outdoor areas.

Aligned to the dengue control approach, NEA reiterated that they will continue to work with stakeholders and the community to reduce mosquito breeding, as vector control is key to reducing the transmission of Zika in the community.

Source : XINHUA