213 new dengue cases reported in Singapore last week

There are now 55 active dengue clusters in Singapore, including seven classified as high-risk.
Channel NewsAsia 24 May 16;

SINGAPORE: A total of 213 new dengue cases were reported in Singapore in the week ending May 21, according to latest figures published on the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) dengue website.

Another 36 cases were reported between May 22 and 3.30pm on May 23.

A total of 7,968 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.

There are now 55 active dengue clusters in Singapore, including seven classified as high-risk. The biggest cluster is in the area around Geylang and Guillemard Road. A total of 58 cases have been reported in the area, including 14 in the past fortnight.

In an advisory on its dengue website, NEA called for vigilance from homeowners to prevent mosquito breeding as Singapore enters the traditional dengue peak season. The majority of mosquito breeding habitats is still being found in homes, such as in domestic containers, flower pot plates and trays, it said.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) 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.

Singapore also reported its first case of the Zika virus earlier this month. The patient, a 48-year-old male Permanent Resident who lives in Bukit Timah’s Watten Estate, had travelled to Sao Paulo in Brazil and developed a fever and rash three days after his return.

Although the patient has been discharged from hospital after making a full recovery, MOH and NEA have said there is still a possibility of secondary infection.

- CNA/cy