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Weekly reported dengue cases hit highest peak since 2016; NEA calls for urgent action

(Reuters file photo)
A female Aedes aegypti mosquito. (Reuters file photo)

SINGAPORE — A total of 666 dengue cases were reported last week (7 to 13 July) said the National Environment Agency (NEA), which also called for urgent action to eliminate potential mosquito breeding habitats.

On Tuesday, the agency said on its website that the new cases surpassed the previous weekly peak of 637 cases in January 2016. It added that there were 73 more cases reported last week when compared with the previous week.

A total of 7,374 dengue cases have been reported this year as of 13 July, about five times more than the 1,481 dengue cases in the same period last year.

182 dengue clusters reported

As of Tuesday, there were 182 dengue clusters reported. The largest cluster is located at Woodlands, with a total of 216 cases reported, although NEA has observed a slowing down in dengue transmission at the cluster.

“NEA urges all members of the public and stakeholders to take immediate action, to eradicate potential mosquito breeding habitats and step up housekeeping measures in their respective premises,” the agency said in its update.

“All residents are strongly encouraged to cooperate with NEA officers and facilitate their checks and indoor misting in their homes.”

Multiple rounds of inspections

NEA has conducted multiple rounds of inspections for mosquito breeding in the dengue cluster areas, as well as outreach activities such as community events and house visits.

Dengue cluster alert banners and alert posters have been put up around the estates and at the lift lobbies, to heighten awareness of both residents and the public.

Since May this year, the various agencies and stakeholders represented in the Inter-Agency Dengue Task Force have stepped up checks to remove potential mosquito breeding habitats at public areas and housing estates.

NEA encourages all residents and stakeholders to play their part to help stem dengue transmission, by doing the five-step “Mozzie Wipeout” as follows:

  • Turn the pail

  • Tip the vase

  • Flip the flowerpot plate

  • Loosen the hardened soil

  • Clear the roof gutter and place insecticide inside

Dengue symptoms

Those infected with dengue should protect themselves from mosquito bites by applying repellent regularly. The symptoms of dengue include:

  • Sudden onset of fever for two to seven days

  • Severe headache with retro-orbital (behind the eye) pain

  • Joint and muscle pain

  • Skin rashes

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Bleeding from the nose or gums

  • Easy bruising in the skin

The public can check the latest updates on the dengue situation in Singapore via the NEA website, the Stop Dengue Now Facebook page and myENV app.

Have a tip-off? Email us at sgnews.tips@verizonmedia.com. In your email, do provide as many details as possible including videos and photos.

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