Another confirmed case of malaria in the Sungei Kadut/Mandai Cluster
16 July 2009
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16 Jul 2009
The Ministry of Health has confirmed one more case of vivax malaria. The patient is a 55-year-old foreign construction worker who stays at Jalan Gali Batu in Mandai and works at the Seletar Camp. He has travel history to Johor from 13 - 15 Jun 09. The onset date of the latest case was 1 Jul 09. As the usual incubation period for the vivax parasite is 12 to 18 days or longer, it is possible that the infection could have been acquired overseas. However, it also cannot be ruled out that this case was part of the original transmission at the Sungei Kadut/Mandai cluster. As such, NEA, together with other stakeholders, will continue with intensive vector control operations in the implicated areas.
There are no new cases at Jurong Island and the total number of cases in this cluster remains at 8. To date, the total number of locally transmitted cases of malaria stands at 23.
The National Environment Agency (NEA), together with other stakeholders such as dormitory operators and premises owners are continuing with vector control operations in the Sungei Kadut /Mandai estate. This includes oiling and Bti misting to destroy mosquito breedings, with chemical fogging and residual spraying to kill adult mosquitoes. The construction site and dormitory operators have also equipped their workers with mosquito repellant as a precautionary measure. No new breedings have been found since 20 June. Our latest adult trapping on 2 July to assess the mosquito population in the area did not capture any Anopheles adult mosquitoes. The vector control operations will continue.
MOH is monitoring the situation closely and will update the public on any new developments.
MOH's advice to the public
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
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
16 July 09