Zika virus is transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, which are typically active throughout the day, especially during early morning and late afternoon or evening. Even though there might only be a few mosquitoes flying around, in Singapore, it is easy for people to get infected as many are living in densely populated residential areas and apartment blocks. Besides mosquito bites, Zika virus may also be spread through sexual transmission or blood transfusion.
Zika virus may also be passed on to the fetus during pregnancy, which may lead to birth defects, such as microcephaly, where the size of baby’s head and brain are smaller than the normal. This will obstruct the baby’s growth and may cause retardation. There is a higher risk of microcephaly during the first trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant ladies are advised to screen for Zika virus if they showed any of the infection symptoms or if the male partner has been tested positive for Zika infection. The screenings are free at all public healthcare institutions.
In order to avoid infection of the disease, some prevention steps that can be taken for your family members. For example, wear clothes which cover as much of the skin as possible, close windows and doors, sleep under mosquito nets, use window screens and insect repellent, as well as empty or cover water containers which are potential breeding sites for mosquitoes.
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