Zika Strain In Singapore Likely Not Imported From South America; 275 Cases Recorded

Bloomberg News: Zika Virus in Singapore Likely Evolved From Southeast Asia
“…The virus in Singapore likely evolved from a strain already circulating in Southeast Asia, and was not imported from South America, where the outbreak has been linked to a condition called microcephaly, in which infants are born with abnormally small heads. The research team is expected to release more details shortly, according to the statement…” (Wong, 9/4).

CNN: Singapore’s Zika cases send warning signal to Asia
“…It’s not yet clear why Zika has spread so suddenly in Singapore. Many of the cases are thought to be locally transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. … [I]t’s the city-state’s high population density and humid climes that offer the perfect breeding ground for the Aedes aegypti. And these are traits shared across many cities in the region…” (Jozuka, 9/5).

Reuters: Zika could impact slowing economy, Singapore bank chief says
“A Zika outbreak in Singapore could have a small impact on the almost $300 billion economy, the central bank chief said on Tuesday, as the mosquito-borne virus spreads across the global financial and transit hub. … [T]he number of reported infections has reached 275, with 17 more cases reported on Tuesday…” (Zaharia/Daga, 9/6).

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