Singapore: First case of locally-transmitted Zika virus reported

A 47-year-old Malaysian woman living in Singapore was confirmed with Zika virus, and was the first reported case of locally-transmitted Zika virus infection in the country.
Singapore: First case of locally-transmitted Zika virus reported ảnh 1An Aedes Aegypti mosquito which spreads Zika (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Singapore (VNA) - A 47-year-old Malaysian woman living in Singapore was confirmed with Zika virus, and was the first reported case of locally-transmitted Zika virus infection in the country.

As she had not travelled to Zika-affected areas recently, she was likely to have been infected in Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) said.

According to the MOH and NEA, the patient had developed symptoms such as fever, rash and conjunctivitis from August 25.

She has been isolated and is currently well and recovering. However, three others who live or work in the area had preliminarily tested positive.

The two agencies warned that there may be further cases while underscoring risk of subsequent local transmission, as the Aedes mosquito vector is present in Singapore.

Singapore reported its first imported Zika case on May 13. The patient, a 48-year-old man, had travelled to Brazil from March 27 to May 7.-VNA

VNA

See more

A resident checks a landslide-hit location in Mejenang, Cilacap, Central Java, on November 14. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia: Households evacuated after Cilacap landslide

The landslide in Indonesia's Central Java has killed three persons while 20 people are still reported missing. The incident damaged eight houses, caused a two-meter-deep subsidence and left a 25-metre-long crack over an area of about 6.5 hectares, affecting 46 residents of 17 households.

Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Zafrul Abdul Aziz. (Photo: spanarboy.com)

Malaysia aims to become Southeast Asia’s AI, EV hub

Malaysia is shifting into high gear as it positions itself to become Southeast Asia’s leading hub for smart, sustainable mobility, powered by breakthroughs in electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced manufacturing.

TAT launches 'Trusted Thailand' symbol to boost international confidence in Thai tourism (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand launches tourism initiative to boost international confidence

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool explained that recent negative news had affected Thailand’s image, especially among Chinese tourists. The 'Trusted Thailand' initiative aims to rebuild trust, emphasising Thailand's commitment to providing high-quality, safe travel experiences.

 Singapore proposed guidelines to manage AI risks in financial sector

Singapore proposed guidelines to manage AI risks in financial sector

To enhance oversight and risk management, financial institutions will need to establish clear processes for identifying AI usage across the organisation, maintain accurate and up-to-date AI inventories, and conduct risk materiality assessments that consider impact, complexity and reliance, it said.

Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (Photo: nst.com.my)

Malaysia adopts AI to bolster national security ecosystem

Malaysia must embrace the technology to remain competitive. The move aligns with AI-based security direction to address modern threats such as cross-border crime, digital fraud, human trafficking, and increasingly complex cyberattacks

Earthquakes rattle parts of Southeast Asia

Earthquakes rattle parts of Southeast Asia

A 4.9-magnitude quake struck near Kengpoun village in Viengxay district, Houaphanh province, at 23:26 on November 12. The epicentre, located close to the border with Vietnam, was about 10 kilometers deep. No significant damage or widespread impact has been reported so far.

Aether Fuels founder and chief executive Conor Madigan speaking at the signing ceremony for the Project Beacon facility, which will be located on Pulau Bukom. (Photo: straitstimes.com)

Singapore promotes production of sustainable aviation fuel

Climate technology start-up Aether Fuels and Aster on November 11 signed a cooperation agreement to develop the Project Beacon facility which is expected to produce up to 50 barrels a day – or 2,000 tonnes of fuel annually – when completed in 2028.

The joint rehearsal of the military and police forces takes place on the morning of November 12 at Thatluang Square in Vientiane (Photo: VNA)

Laos gets ready for parade marking 50th National Day

The joint rehearsal featured multiple marching formations representing exemplary units from the Lao army and police, showcasing their discipline, determination, and readiness for the grand parade on the upcoming National Day.

People walk in flood waters in the southern province of Narathiwat (Photo: XINHUA)

Severe flooding reported in central Thailand

Using images from the Sentinel-1C satellite taken on November 11, GISTDA identified widespread inundation in low-lying and residential areas, with water levels reaching at least 50cm in many locations, severely disrupting transport and daily life.

Illustrative image (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand launches initiative to raise quality of life

The Thai Ministry of Interior has recently launched an urgent initiative titled "Mahadthai Thum Thun Thee (Interior Ministry expedites now): Action 5", with an aim to deliver swift improvements to people’s living conditions through five key measures.