"Since receiving notification from MOH on 27 August, NEA [National Environment Agency] has intensified vector control operations to control the Aedes mosquito population in the vicinity of Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive. NEA has deployed more than 200 officers to inspect the area and conduct outreach to residents and other stakeholders in the vicinity," the MOH statement reads.
It was also noted in the statement that specific measures would be introduced by NEA to intensify its control operations, including inspections of premises, public places and ground areas, thermal fogging of outdoor areas and ultra-low volume spraying of premises, increasing the frequency of drain flushing and distributing insect repellents.
The current Zika outbreak began in Brazil in the spring of 2015. The virus is transmitted by daytime-active mosquitos. It does not cause serious complications in adults, but it can cause severe brain defects and microcephaly in newborns.
