Speaking to FMT, he pointed out that the virus primarily originated from the Aedes mosquito.
It is a deadly disease which can be easily prevented by emphasising on the importance of hygiene.
“It (Zika) is spread by Aedes mosquito bites. It is everybody’s responsibility to keep our compound clean, free from mosquito-breeding grounds.
“Zika infection has both serious short-term consequences and unknown long-term effects.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Zika an international health emergency because it can cause birth defects, including brain and skull malformation known as microcephaly.
Aside from being primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the Zika virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact and blood transfusion.
Chew emphasised that it was imperative for local authorities to work hand in hand with the government and the public to “fight this menace.”
“We can never be too prepared for Zika. More can be done.”
On Tuesday, Malaysia confirmed its first case of Zika after a woman tested positive for the virus when she developed several symptoms. It was said that she had visited Singapore recently where many Zika cases have been reported.
According to Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam, the 58-year-old woman had shown signs of rashes and fever for a week upon her return from the neighbouring country.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Najib Razak also said close collaboration with Malaysia’s neighbours was “absolutely vital” to handle the threat posed by Zika.
So far, there are 189 confirmed cases of locally-transmitted Zika in Singapore. Of these, two are pregnant women and at least six are Malaysians.
Singapore meanwhile has found that 70 per cent of breeding grounds for Aedes are inside homes.
Bernama reports that the Thai Disease Control Department said a total of 97 people had been infected with Zika in 10 provinces across the country in the first six months of 2016.
Between 2012 and 2015, an average of five people were infected with the Zika virus each year.
Zika usually causes a mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, or a headache. It is known to be fatal in severe cases.
Local media said a nine-year-old girl died of it recently in the north part of Thailand, raising the death toll to three.
Meanwhile, Astro Awani reported that the Johor Health Department will take various measures to curb the spread of Zika infection, including requiring all vehicles leaving and entering Singapore to be sprayed with mosquito repellent.
State Health and Environment Committee Chairman Ayub Rahmat said these measures were necessary in view of the sharp increase in Zika infections in the republic, while Johor was frequented by Singaporeans.
“The vehicles we are referring to include lorries, public buses, school buses, private cars and trains. This is to ensure that no mosquitoes with the virus are brought into the country via the vehicles.”