Recently Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed 41 cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection in Singapore! Zika virus is spread by Aedes mosquito vector and if your office is exposed to the virus, here's what you as employers could do:

1. Self-monitor

 

Employers should encourage staff to self-monitor for symptoms of Zika, such as: fever, skin rashes, joint and muscle pains, headaches, and red eyes. If any symptoms persists, they should consult doctor ASAP.

2. Medical attention for those who just returned from an affected country

Symptomatic individuals who have returned from an affected country in the past two weeks, or live/work in the vicinity of infected area must seek medical attention immediately – which employers should allow staff to do promptly.

3.  Protect from mosquito bites

Employers should advise employees to protect themselves from mosquito bites by: using mosquito repellent; wearing long, covered clothing; and sleeping under mosquito nets or in rooms with wire-mesh screens or air-conditioned rooms.

4. Strict precautions for pregnant employees

Employers should particularly ensure that pregnant employees take strict precautions against mosquito bites and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms of Zika such as fever and rash.

5. Destroy/prevent mosquito breeding

As the Zika virus is spread by infected mosquitoes, employers should take immediate steps to prevent mosquito breeding in their workplaces. Have regular cleaning around the office and make sure there's no space for the mosquito to stay!

Don't take your workplace's environment for granted because it affects the productivity of your employees, and their productivity affect your company's performances!

Stay safe people!

 

Source: Human Resources