Zika Virus Alert in Singapore: To step up vigilance and protection

The high frequency international travel and in this urban city environment are some of the key reasons which causes transmission of diseases easily. Zika virus outbreak in Singapore has cause a major concern for everyone since the first case was reported on 27 Aug 2016. The health and local authorities are monitoring the situation closely as more Zika cases could emerge from more areas. Rentokil Singapore has received a 172% spikes enquiries since the Zika news outbreak. These enquiries are relating to mosquito control from home and business owners, geographically covering Singapore and including Zika-hit areas.

What is Zika virus? It is a virus infection that is transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, and identical to that of a Dengue. Zika may cause viral fever, with skin rashes, body aches and headache. However, the danger is, most people whom are infected do not develop symptoms. The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. These Aedes mosquitoes get infected when it feeds a blood meal from a Zika-infected person, who in turn transmits the virus to people they bite on.

What can you do to minimise placing yourself at risks in contracting the disease?

• Ensure no breeding source in and out of your home or work place. (Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean and stagnant water)
• Protect yourself from being bitten by wearing long, covered clothing.
• Apply insect repellent for additional safety
• Ensure your home or work place is adequately treated in controlling the adult mosquito population and application of Larvicide to target at the larval life stage of the mosquito.
• Additional protection such as indoor and outdoor mosquito trapped can be installed for peace of mind

Seek medical treatment if you are unwell or approach for medical advice if you are unsure if your symptoms are Zika positive. Some symptoms to look out for include:

• Fever
• Rash
• Joint paints, muscle pain and headache
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• Symptoms that last between 4 to 7 days

Rentokil offers comprehensive mosquito solutions to reduce the chances of Zika transmission

Larviciding is a preventive way to halt the development of mosquitoes’ larvae. A thorough inspection for any potential breeding ground will be conducted by our team before the larvicide treatment is carried out. The larvicide treatment at mosquito hotspots can help to reduce its infestation. A thorough inspection for any potential breeding ground will be conducted before the larvicide treatment is carried out.

Thermal waterbased fogging can be carried out at night for more effective control breeding of adult mosquitoes.

The Mosquittaire trap units are safe to use in landed residential homes with to capture large amounts of these flying pests in an outdoor large area such as the home garden. It is designed to attract and trap mosquitoes by utilizing patented human-mimicking odour and visual cues. It forms a barrier between the source of mosquitoes and human, and hence increasing a greater chance in trapping the mosquitoes before they are able to reach the humans. These trapped mosquitoes within the catch bag will then die from dehydration.

The MOSCLEAN trap units is eco-friendly and safe to use in indoor homes. It traps mosquitoes 3 to 4 times more than conventional bug lights. This enhances health safety as UV spectrum used specifically targeted at mosquitoes, and enhances trapping.

Stay vigilant and observe any potential risks by inspecting your environment on any presence of breeding mosquitoes and removing stagnant water diligently. Engage a specialist to help you inspect for assurance and trustworthiness. An enhanced mosquito protection program is available to protect your family and workers.

Our experts are just a call away at 6347 8138 or email to enquiry.sg@rentokil.com