As many as 12 new cases of Zika were reported in Singapore last weekend, bringing the total number to 381 since the start of the outbreak on August 27, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore.

A worker fogs a new Zika area in Singapore (Source:Reuters)

Information on the NEA’s website said that no new cases were reported on September 19. There are now nine Zika areas in Singapore.

Singapore recorded the first case suffering Zika virus on August 27, and the first pregnant infected with the virus was reported on August 31. The country’s Ministry of Health has urged tests for pregnant women with symptoms of fever and hives , and Zika-positive married women.

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.

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

Singapore annually recorded a great number of dengue cases, which are also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Neighbouring countries such as Malaysia , Indonesia and Philippines said they will strictly monitor tourists from Singapore. Meanwhile, Australia , Taiwan (China) and the US recommended their citizens to do not visit the island country.

(Source: VNA)