Dengue cases dip to 292 after spike in previous week

The number of new dengue cases in Singapore dipped to 292 in the week ending Apr 9, 85 cases fewer than in the previous week, according to latest figures published on the National Environment Agency (NEA) website.
Channel NewsAsia 12 Apr 16;

SINGAPORE: The number of new dengue cases in Singapore dipped to 292 in the week ending Apr 9, 85 cases fewer than in the previous week, according to latest figures published on the National Environment Agency (NEA) website.

Another 25 cases were reported between Apr 10 and 3.30pm on Apr 11.

A total of 6,630 dengue cases have been reported in Singapore since the start of the year. Four people have died of the disease so far – a 47-year-old man who lived in Marsiling Rise, a 67-year-old man who lived in Toa Payoh, a 63-year-old woman who lived in Bedok and a 73-year-old woman who lived in Hougang.

“Although the number of weekly reported dengue cases is lower than that for some of the past weeks, it is still high for this time of the year,” the NEA said in an advisory on its website. “The majority of mosquito breeding is still being found in homes, such as in domestic containers, flower pot plates and trays.”

The Ministry of Health and NEA have warned that the number of dengue cases in Singapore may exceed 30,000 this year, higher than the record of 22,170 reported in 2013.

This is due to factors such as warmer conditions brought about by the El Nino weather phenomenon, faster breeding and maturation cycles of the Aedes mosquito population and a change in the main circulating dengue virus, said both agencies at a joint media briefing.

The biggest cluster of dengue cases is now located in Elias Road, together with Pasir Ris View, Riverina View and Riverina Walk. A total of 73 cases have been reported in the area, including 24 in the past fortnight.

The area around Bowmont Gardens, together with Jedburgh Gardens, Wilton Gardens and Siglap Rise has similarly seen 73 cases reported in the area, including two in the past fortnight.

- CNA/dl