No Impact of Zika on Singapore's Tourism

With only a handful of cancellations, there has been no perceivable impact of Zika on Singapore's tourism so far.

A Singapore tourism official said in a statement that Singapore remains a safe travel destination, as the country has a robust system in place to manage Zika, with the mainstay being vector control.

Zika Fever - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
Zika virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes which causes mild fever with maculopapular rash. No treatment or vaccine is currently available.

‘The total number of Zika infection cases is 258 and about 16 new cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection were confirmed.’

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"In keeping with an open, transparent and multi-pronged approach throughout Singapore, STB will continue to closely monitor developments through the Ministry of Health and National Environment Agency," Xinhua news agency quoted Chong as saying.

About 16 new cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection were confirmed in the country, according to a joint statement released by Ministry of Health and National Environment Agency.

The total number of Zika infections as of September 4, 2016 is 258.

Zika Cases In Singapore Surge to 82
In pregnant women, Zika can cause microcephaly, a deformation in which babies are born with abnormally small brains and heads.

Chong said that STB is working closely with both Singapore and in-market tourism and travel partners to ensure that there will be necessary mitigating measures and communications plans in place to address concerns by visitors.

Chong exemplified that STB's frontline operations, such as Call Centre and Singapore Visitor Centre, have been monitoring daily visitor feedback and queries on the Zika outbreak.

Microcephaly in Zika Virus Gestational Infection is Only the Tip of the Iceberg
Microcephaly, a very usual feature in cases of Zika virus gestational infection, is just one of several observed brain changes.

Source-IANS

Swift Action Needed To Minimize Economic Impact Of Zika Outbreak: World Bank
The impact of the mosquito-borne Zika virus will be modest, if $3.5 billion, or 0.06 percentage points is taken off of gross domestic output (GDP) for the affected region this year.