New dengue cases spike after 6 weeks of decline

The number of dengue cases reported in Singapore rose to 378 last week, up from the 306 cases reported in the previous week, according to the National Environment Agency.
Channel NewsAsia 5 Apr 16;

SINGAPORE: The number of new dengue cases in Singapore rose to 378 in the week ending Apr 2, after a six-week decline which saw the number of reported cases falling to 306, according to latest figures published on the National Environment Agency (NEA) website.

Another 34 cases were reported between Apr 3 and 3.30pm on Apr 4.

A total of 6,373 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.

“The number of weekly reported dengue cases 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 Serangoon North Avenue 1, together with Hythe Road, Kensington Park Drive and Worthing Road. A total of 94 cases have been reported in the area, including four in the past fortnight.

- CNA/cy