Ng Lian Cheong Channel NewsAsia 11 Oct 11;
SINGAPORE: The number of dengue cases reported in Singapore has been steadily declining over the past few weeks. But an expert warns that Singapore may be due for a "big" outbreak next year.
Associate Professor Leo Yee Sin, Head of Infectious Diseases at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, said: "The last big three cycles that we experienced include the 1991 cycle, the 1997, 2004 and 2005 cycle. So when the next one is going to come is subject to a lot of speculation.
"But if you look at the interval of every five to six years [in between each] big cycle, then it should be quite soon. (Either) this year or next year."
263 new cases of dengue were reported for the week of July 24 to 30, the highest number of cases in a week this year.
But the numbers have since declined, with just 60 cases from October 2 to 8. As of October 8, there have been 4,490 new cases of dengue reported this year.
The Health Ministry told Channel NewsAsia that as of September, three people, two men and a woman, have died from dengue infection this year.
Professor Leo said the seasonal peak season for dengue cases occurs between June and October each year. She added that the rapid decline in numbers observed this year may be due to effective mosquito prevention measures taken.
-CNA/ac
