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Zika to have "small impact" on Singapore's economy: MAS chief

Xinhua, September 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

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

The Chief of MAS said it is too early to assess the impact of Zika on Singapore, adding indications show there could be some small impact, not likely to be significant for overall economic outcome.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported 275 cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection, according to the Ministry of Health and National Environment Agency in a joint statement. The mosquito-borne virus has 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 percent from a 1-3 percent growth range in August. Endit