Zika to have 'small impact' on Singapore's economy

Singapore: The outbreak of Zika virus in Singapore will have "small impact" on the country's economy, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said on Tuesday.

MAS Managing Director Ravi Menon said it is too early to assess the impact of Zika on Singapore, and added that there could be some small impact, but not likely to be significant for overall economic outcome, Xinhua news agency reported.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported 275 cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection as 17 new cases were confirmed, according to the Ministry of Health and National Environment Agency in a joint statement.

The statement said vector control operations and outreach efforts are being carried out.

On Monday, a Singapore tourism official said in a statement that it remains a safe travel destination, as the country has a robust system in place to manage Zika.

The mosquito-borne virus had been linked to severe birth defects if pregnant women become infected.

Singapore witnesses the outbreak of Zika together with a dip in economic growth coincidentally. The country has reduced its economic growth forecast to 1-2 per cent from a 1-3 per cent growth range in August.