Singapore reported eight new Zika cases on September 7, fewer than the number of cases on previous days.

A pest-control worker fumigates drains and gardens at a housing estate where the latest case of Zika infections were reported in Singapore (Photo: AP)

The total number of Zika infections now stands at 283, according to the Ministry of Health.

Among the newly reported cases, four are not linked to previous infection hotbeds, the ministry said, adding that it is still working to put the disease under control in all affected areas.

Singapore’s National Environment Agency said a total of 150 mosquito breeding habitats were found and destroyed, including 99 in homes and 51 in outdoor areas, as of September 6.

Zika virus is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. People with Zika virus often display symptoms including mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last from two to seven days.

There is a scientific consensus that the Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly in newborn babies and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Links to other neurological complications are also being investigated, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

At present, 70 countries and territories around the world have reported Zika cases, including those in Southeast Asian region.

(Source: VNA)