SINGAPORE - The Health Ministry will no longer be issuing updates each time an individual dies of dengue, it said on Monday (Oct 17).

Starting next year, statistics on dengue-related deaths will be published in a quarterly report instead.

These statistics will be made available on the ministry's website as well as the official dengue website.

"The issuance of a press release for each dengue-related death does not serve any added public health purpose," said a ministry spokesman in response to queries about the changes from The Straits Times.

It added that the National Environment Agency (NEA) already starts mosquito control operations when it is notified of dengue infections, and that this practice will continue.

"NEA also informs Singaporeans of dengue clusters so that they can take the appropriate measures to eradicate mosquito breeding and protect themselves," it said.