The number of dengue infections this year has edged closer to the 10,000 mark, as dengue fever continues its march across the island.

The latest figures from the Ministry of Health show there were 661 infections from last Sunday to Friday 3pm, bringing the total number of cases recorded this year to 9,960 - only slightly under than the combined total of the past two years. There were 4,632 cases reported in 2012 and 5,330 in 2011.

Figures for Friday after 3pm and Saturday are usually released on Mondays.

Cases have been on a steady upward climb since the start of this year, reaching 816 between June 2 and 8.

Officials expect numbers to reach 1,000 cases a week as Singapore heads towards hot dry weather and the traditional dengue season.

Two people have died from the illness this year.