48-year-old man Singapore's first imported Zika case

Singapore has reported its first imported Zika case, Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reported on Friday (May 13).

The news channel quoted the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) as saying that a 48-year-old man, who is a Singapore permanent resident, had travelled to Sao Paulo in Brazil from March 27 to May 7.

After developing a fever and rash, the man was admitted to Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital on May 12 and isolated, CNA reported.

He tested positive for the Zika virus infection the next day and is due for transfer to the Communicable Diseases Centre at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

The authorities reportedly also said that the patient was "currently well and recovering".

His family is being screened for the virus, while his residence at Watten Estate is not considered an active cluster, the ministries said.

While NEA has intensified vector control operations to control the Aedes mosquito population in the area, it said that residents of Watten Estate, Hillcrest Arcadia, The Arcadia and Watten Hill Condominium should monitor their health for any symptoms.

ljessica@sph.com.sg