Two Zika cases detected in Singapore's Woodlands, authorities confirm local transmission risk
SINGAPORE, June 19 — Two new local cases of Zika virus infection have been confirmed in Singapore's Woodlands, specifically at Street 11 and Street 32, according to a joint statement by the country's National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) today.
In a Facebook post, NEA said that upon notification of each case, it had launched wastewater and mosquito surveillance operations around the affected residential areas.
These investigations revealed 'persistent Zika virus signals in the area, which suggests that this is an area with likely Zika transmission.'
NEA conducts regular vector surveillance to curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika and dengue. This includes deploying gravitraps — devices used to attract and trap the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads both viruses — across Housing Board estates.
Data from NEA's website shows three Zika cases have been reported in Singapore since the week of May 25, with the most recent case confirmed on June 11. In total, seven cases have been logged so far in 2025 as of June 12. Thirteen cases were reported in all of 2024.
The NEA has urged members of the public who show symptoms associated with Zika to seek medical attention promptly. According to the CDA, these symptoms may include rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, and headache.
While there is currently no specific treatment for Zika, the CDA advises pregnant patients to consult their obstetricians due to the risk of birth defects. Infections during pregnancy can lead to congenital issues in infants, including microcephaly — a condition where a baby's head is smaller than expected, sometimes resulting in developmental complications.
More information about Zika clusters and symptoms is available at go.gov.sg/zikaclusters and go.gov.sg/zika
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Barnama
Perak Targets Enforcing Vape Sales Ban In Oct
IPOH, June 22 (Bernama) -- The state government is targeting the banning of electronic cigarettes or vapes sales in October throughout Perak. Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said a working paper on the matter is being drafted by the Perak State Health Department (JKN). 'We have instructed the Perak JKN led by its director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha to ensure that this working paper can be completed as soon as possible. 'The working paper will also be brought to the State Executive Council (MMK) to decide on its enforcement, which I am targeting around October,' he said. He said this when met after officiating the Orthopedic Symposium Programme: Latest Developments and Best Practices in the Orthopedic Field organised by the Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH) at the Kinta River Front Hotel here, today. On June 4, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad explained that the state government is comprehensively examining the need to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes in Perak. Saarani said the matter had been raised in the MMK but there were several matters that needed to be comprehensively refined. Meanwhile, Sivanesan said that although he admitted that the action would cause uneasiness among vape operators, it would benefit the people overall, especially in terms of health. "We are ready (for complaints) about this matter and for us what is good for the people we will continue," he said.
Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Key Findings from the "Hong Kong Vitiligo Patients and Caregivers Survey" Released for "World Vitiligo Day"
(From left) Mr. Chan (pseudonym), a patient with vitiligo; Dr. Chan Yung, a specialist in dermatology; and Ms. Amy Wong, a registered social worker from the Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group, urge individuals with vitiligo to seek professional medical consultation for personalized treatment plan promptly and to avoid unproven remedies 80% lack understanding of treatment options 78% unfamiliar with medication efficacy 84% uncertain about which specialist to consult 74% of respondents expressed a desire for full or partial skin repigmentation, yet among the 48 treated patients, none achieved complete repigmentation, and only 8% reported partial improvement 67% perceived treatments as completely ineffective 43% are not receiving any active treatment at present Barriers included: high private healthcare costs and long public-sector wait times (95%), and perceived futility of therapy (75%) Corticosteroids: Risk of skin atrophy, telangiectasia; unsuitable for long-term use Phototherapy: Requires 3–6 months (or longer) of 2–3 weekly sessions, with potential sunburn and skin cancer risks Non-steroidal topicals: Often only slow progression rather than induce repigmentation Over 70% of Vitiligo Patients Seek Skin Repigmentation - New Topical Treatment Introduced in Hong Kong Offers Hope Approximately 30% of patients achieved ≥75% improvement in Facial Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (F-VASI) after 24 weeks of treatment; 50% of patients showed ≥50% improvement; Extension to 52 weeks of treatment resulted in >50% of patients attaining ≥75% improvement7 Conclusion and Recommendations Case Study HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 June 2025 - In observance of World Vitiligo Day (June 25), Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group has released findings from its latest "Hong Kong Vitiligo Patients and Caregivers Survey." The study reveals critical gaps in treatment knowledge, with over 80% of respondents demonstrating limited understanding of available therapies and their efficacy. More than 70% of patients hoped therapy could partially or fully restore their original skin pigmentation, yet many reported disappointing outcomes with existing treatments, leading to loss of confidence and treatment that with advancing insights into vitiligo pathogenesis, novel therapy has recently been introduced in Hong Kong. Clinical studies confirm its repigmentation potential, encouraging patients to consult specialists for personalized treatment Hong Kong, vitiligo affects approximately 1% of the population, with an estimated 70,000 individuals living with the condition. In May 2025, Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group successfully surveyed 61 patients or their primary caregivers to identify key challenges in disease management. Key findings as follows:Vitiligo is classified as segmental (SV) or non-segmental (NSV), with 90% of cases being NSV—a subtype with higher progression risk and greater therapeutic difficulty. Traditional options (e.g., topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy) often yield variable results, with limitations such as:stated that targeted therapies like topical JAK inhibitors represent a breakthrough in vitiligo treatment. "Topical JAK inhibitors are non-steroidal medications with demonstrated efficacy and safety profiles, making them a viable long-term treatment option for patients," he the exact etiology of vitiligo remains unclear, current evidence suggests autoimmune-mediated attack on melanocytes plays a key pathogenic role, resulting in depigmented lesions. Non-steroidal Topical JAK inhibitors work by modulating the aberrant immune signaling responsible for melanocyte attack, enabling gradual repigmentation of affected cream, the first FDA-approved non-steroidal topical JAK inhibitor for localized treatment of non-segmental vitiligo in patients aged 12 years and above, has recently become available in Hong Kong. Clinical trials show:noted that many vitiligo patients and caregivers seeking assistance express confusion about treatment options and medication efficacy. "Many patients spend over a year just obtaining a definitive diagnosis," she explained. "In their search for solutions, patients often invest substantial resources in various cosmetic packages and alternative therapies, only to experience significant discrepancies between desired and actual outcomes. This frequently leads to disillusionment, loss of hope for effective treatment, and even emotional distress.""However,"emphasized, "with medical advancements, vitiligo is no longer considered untreatable. Repigmentation is now achievable, and we strongly encourage patients to seek professional medical consultation at the earliest opportunity."The survey reveals significant gaps in patients' understanding of vitiligo treatments and their mechanisms, leaving many uncertain about where to begin treatment. Over 80% of respondents expressed desire for patient support in medication access and resource referrals. Accordingly,andpropose the following recommendations:Conduct lectures and workshops to help patients and caregivers understand that vitiligo requires long-term management, with visible results often taking extended periods to manifest. These initiatives should also educate participants about various treatment modalities, particularly newly available options like non-steroidal topical JAK inhibitors, enabling informed discussions with healthcare providers about appropriate treatment that vitiligo necessitates prolonged treatment, and considering that many patients find private care cost-prohibitive while public service wait times are excessively long, we recommend establishing medication support and resource referral services to facilitate timely access to proper treatment. Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group is currently implementing a "Vitiligo Patient Support Program," offering free psychological counseling, medication assistance, and resource referral services. Interested individuals may contact Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group for Chan (pseudonym), 58, first developed symptoms thirty years ago with a small depigmented spot on his neck that subsequently spread to his neck, waist, wrists, and thighs. At diagnosis, his physician prescribed topical corticosteroids but stated vitiligo was essentially "incurable." Mr. Chan subsequently pursued numerous alternative treatments including UV light therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, electroacupuncture, topical shampoo applications, and cosmetic packages - exhausting savings and liquidating his stocks - all without achieving satisfactory years of unsuccessful treatment attempts, he discontinued treatment until being referred to the Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group. Through their seminars and "Vitiligo Patient Support Program", he learned about modern treatment advances and, with medication assistance, has begun new therapy with renewed hope for repigmentation."My greatest wish is to wear crew-neck shirts again," Mr. Chan shared. "Since developing vitiligo, I've only worn high-collared shirts to conceal neck patches and haven't gone swimming in thirty years." He looks forward to regaining sartorial freedom following successful #Vitiligo #WorldVitiligoDay #TopicalJAKinhibitors #Non-steroidalTopicalJAKinhibitors #Ruxolitinibcream #SkinRepigmentation # #Dermatology #Skincare#HongKongVitiligoSupportGroup The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group Initiated by social enterprise Hong Kong Health Care Alliance, Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group is a non-profit patient organization dedicated to individuals affected by vitiligo and their caregivers. Our mission is to enhance societal understanding of vitiligo through comprehensive disease education and support services, empowering patients to better understand and confront their condition while fostering public awareness. We strive to ensure no patient faces this journey alone.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Perak targets enforcing vape sales ban in Oct
IPOH: The state government is targeting the banning of electronic cigarettes or vapes sales in October throughout Perak. Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said a working paper on the matter is being drafted by the Perak State Health Department (JKN). 'We have instructed the Perak JKN led by its director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha to ensure that this working paper can be completed as soon as possible. 'The working paper will also be brought to the State Executive Council (MMK) to decide on its enforcement, which I am targeting around October,' he said. He said this when met after officiating the Orthopedic Symposium Programme: Latest Developments and Best Practices in the Orthopedic Field organised by the Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH) at the Kinta River Front Hotel here, today. On June 4, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad explained that the state government is comprehensively examining the need to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes in Perak. Saarani said the matter had been raised in the MMK but there were several matters that needed to be comprehensively refined. Meanwhile, Sivanesan said that although he admitted that the action would cause uneasiness among vape operators, it would benefit the people overall, especially in terms of health. 'We are ready (for complaints) about this matter and for us what is good for the people we will continue,' he said. In addition, he said more than 90 individuals consisting of orthopedic specialists from all over the country participated in the programme organised by PCSH. He said it should be emulated by other private hospitals in Perak because it aims to provide knowledge and assist in disseminating the latest technology used in the field now.
