Zika count rises to 242 in Singapore

While Indonesia can not afford to thoroughly check for a possible Zika outbreak, Singapore reported another big batch of Zika virus cases Sunday, bringing its total count in just a week to 242, and World Health Organization officials said the spread of the virus definitely still constitutes a global health emergency. Both dengue and Zika are spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is common across Southeast Asia.

What is Zika virus?

Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda. In 1952, the first human cases of Zika were detected and since then, outbreaks of Zika haven been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

What is the situation in Singapore?

On 27 August 2016, Singapore reported its first case of Zika viral infection. At this point, the community transmission appears to be localised within the Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive cluster as well as Kallang Way and Paya Lebar Way. It was also found that those who tested positive had also lived or work in Khatib Camp, Sembawang Drive, Kranji Road, Joo Chiat Place, Senoko South Road, Toh Guan Road East and Lor 101 Changi.

How is the Zika virus transmitted?

• By the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, the same mosquito that spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.
• Infected pregnant mother can pass the virus to a babe or through breast-feeding.
• Sexual contact. It can be passed from a person with Zika before their symptoms start or while they have symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Zika virus Infection?

• Low grade fever
• Rashes
• Joint pains, muscle pain, headache
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)

What are the tests available to diagnose Zika viral infection?

Is the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test which looks for genetic material of the virus in clinical specimens such as urine and blood. However, this test is only able to detect Zika infection within 7-14 days of symptoms.

What treatment is available for Zika infection?

There is no vaccine or specific treatment to fight the Zika virus. Like dengue infection, treatment is directed at alleviating symptoms.

If there any advice for couples planning for a pregnancy if either one lives in an affected area?

They should take strict precautions against mosquito bites, and if they have further questions, consult with their doctor.

If there is medical coverage for Zika virus?

Medical care providers worldwide will do their best to help Zika sufferers in need. However, treatments may be expensive as they may be both new (possibly even to the point of being experimental) and long term, as it is unclear that a short term treatment will be available.

Some insurers will not provide cover for epidemic diseases like Zika. Other such conditions that may be excluded include malaria, dengue, chikungunya and more. In order to get the right information of which insurance company offers coverage for Zika virus, for more information please contact expert team at Abacare Singapore.

Abacare – Leading International Insurance Broker Specialising in Employee Benefits, Medical, Health and Life Insurance