628 dengue cases reported last week; highest weekly figure since 2014

During the week ending Jan 16, a total of 628 cases were reported – 81 cases more than the previous week and 170 more than the highest reported in a week in 2015.

Channel NewsAsia 20 Jan 16;

SINGAPORE: A total of 628 dengue cases were reported in the week ending Jan 16, the highest weekly figure in more than a year, according to latest figures published on the National Environment Agency (NEA) website.

This was 81 cases more than the previous week and 170 more than the highest reported in a week in 2015. The highest number of dengue cases ever reported in a week was in 2014, with 891 cases reported between Jun 29 and Jul 5.

Another 193 cases were reported between Jan 17 and 3.30pm on Jan 19, NEA said. A total of 1,368 dengue cases have been reported in Singapore since Jan 3.

The agency warned that there has been an increase in the Aedes mosquito population, with the warmer-than-usual weather shortening the breeding and maturation cycles of the mosquitoes, as well as the incubation periods for the dengue virus.

It said source eradication of mosquito breeding habitats remains a key component in preventing the spread of the virus, which is why intensive source reduction exercises (ISREs) have been stepped up.

Additionally, the proportion of dengue cases due to the DENV-2 serotype has increased and now accounts for more than two-thirds of all dengue cases serotyped in Singapore, the agency said. Previously, the DENV-1 serotype accounted for most of the dengue cases in Singapore since March 2013.

“This change in the main circulating dengue virus and the increase in mosquito population due to warmer weather may be contributing to the spike in dengue cases. Immediate measures need to be taken by all stakeholders to suppress the Aedes mosquito population,” NEA said.

- CNA/cy


628 cases of dengue reported last week: NEA
Today Online 20 Jan 16;

SINGAPORE — There were 628 cases of dengue reported between Jan 10 and 16, 82 more than the week before, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) on its website.

Last Tuesday (Jan 12), the NEA warned that dengue figures were likely to rise as the weather heats up. Last week's figures were higher than any week reported in 2015, according to NEA data.

This week, starting Jan 17, there has already been 193 dengue cases reported as of 3.30pm yesterday (Jan 19).

The proportion of dengue cases due to the DENV-2 serotype, a common type of dengue virus here, has also risen sharply and now accounts for two-thirds of all dengue cases here, up from about half of all cases just a month ago, the agency said in an advisory. The DENV-1 serotype has accounted for most cases here since March 2013.

The NEA continued to urge Singaporeans to play their part to stem dengue transmission by checking their premises daily for potential mosquito breeding habitats. Those infected with dengue are also advised to apply repellent as regularly as possible to prevent mosquitoes from biting and picking up the virus from them, and those showing symptoms suggestive of dengue should see their GPs early to be diagnosed.

The highest number of dengue cases ever reported in a week was back in 2014, with 891 cases reported between June 29 and July 5.