Number of high-risk dengue areas drops by 40%

Ng Lian Cheong Channel NewsAsia 17 Apr 14;

SINGAPORE: The number of high-risk dengue areas dropped by 40 per cent in the first three months of this year, compared to the same period last year.

Any area with more than 10 dengue cases is considered high-risk.

According to the National Environment Agency website, there are seven high-risk areas in Singapore as of Thursday.

The worst is in Compassvale, in Sengkang, which has 139 reported cases.

Despite the drop in the number of dengue cases, one doctor said precautions must still be taken.

Dr Leong Hoe Nam, the medical director of Rophi Clinic, said: "I think this is a transient effect. There are certain times of the year, particularly this time of the year, when the number of dengue cases will fall.

"I think it's also because the citizens of Singapore are more aware of dengue risks and how to control the spread of dengue infection by controlling mosquito (breeding)."

- CNA/ac