First man in Singapore with Zika discharged from hospital

SINGAPORE - A 48-year-old man, who was the first person to be diagnosed with the Zika virus in Singapore, has been discharged from hospital.

According to a joint statement by the Ministry of Health and National Environment Agency (NEA), the Permanent Resident was discharged from Tan Tock Seng Hospital on Tuesday (May 17) afternoon.

The statement added that the man, who lives in Watten Estate in Bukit Timah, tested negative for the Zika virus and that he will not transmit the virus even if he was bitten by the Aedes mosquito.

His family members have also not reported any symptoms of the virus.

On May 12, it was reported that the man was hospitalised at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital after developing a fever and rash. He had travelled to Sao Paulo, Brazil, between March 27 and May 7.

The man tested positive for Zika virus on May 13.

NEA has advised residents in the Watten Estate area to continue to monitor their health and seek medical attention if unwell, especially if they develop symptoms such as fever and rash.

Those who are unwell should also inform their doctors of the location of their residence.

stephluo@sph.com.sg