The Ministry of Health (MOH) is currently investigating two clusters of suspected local malaria transmission involving a total of 14 people. As of 6 June 09, all but two cases have been discharged. All 14 cases had no recent travel history overseas, suggesting that there is possible local transmission in the affected areas.

Malaria cluster at Jurong Island

2 The first cluster involves 5 cases comprising male foreign workers aged between 25 to 37 years at Jurong Island. The cases had onset of illness between 3 to 25 May 09 with main symptoms such as fever, headache and chills. Four of the cases stay at a dormitory on Jurong Island and work at the same site on Jurong Island. The 5th case works on Jurong Island close to the dormitory and worksite of the other 4 cases.

Malaria cluster at Sungei Kadut/ Mandai

3 The second cluster involves 9 cases aged between 20 to 40 years in the Sungei Kadut/ Mandai area comprising 8 foreign workers in different dormitories and 1 full-time national serviceman. The cases had onset of illness between 16 and 30 May with symptoms such as fever, headache and chills.

Inspections by National Environment Agency (NEA)

4 NEA has conducted inspections at the worksites and dormitories of the workers and its surrounding areas. Adult mosquito trapping and search and destroy operations are continuing.  NEA has also directed the dormitory operators and their pest control operators to carry out residual spraying to all blocks both inside and outside the dormitories, night thermal fogging and adult light trapping.

5 MOH is monitoring the situation closely and will update the public on any new developments.

MOH’s advice to the public

6 Malaria, like dengue fever, is a mosquito-borne disease and the best way to prevent malaria is to take precautionary measures against mosquitoes and prevent their breeding. Persons diagnosed with malaria should be isolated from further mosquito bites so as to reduce the risk of further transmission of the disease.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH