622 dengue cases reported last week; NEA reminds public to be vigilant over CNY period

A woman holding an NEA flyer about dengue prevention while shopping for plants at Thomson Road's Spa Flora nursery. ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO

SINGAPORE - Dengue cases in Singapore remained on the high side, with 622 cases reported for the week of Jan 17 to 23.

This was two cases fewer than the previous week, the latest figures published on the National Environment Agency's (NEA) dengue website showed.

Another 89 cases were reported between Sunday (Jan 24) and 3pm on Monday. A total of 1,882 cases have been reported since Jan 3.

Last Friday (Jan 22), a 47-year-old Singaporean man became the first person to die of the virus this year.

He had been admitted to Khoo Teck Phuat Hospital on Thursday but his condition deteriorated.

The man had been staying at Marsiling Rise, an area located within an active 10-dengue cluster, NEA and the Ministry of Health said in a joint statement.

As of Monday, there were 144 dengue clusters - 12 more than the previous week.

Thirty-two of these clusters were designated red zones, which indicate a high risk area with 10 or more dengue cases.

Emphasising that source eradication of mosquito breeding habits remains key to curbing the mosquito population in Singapore, NEA said the majority of breeding are found in homes.

The top breeding spots were found to be domestic containers, as well as flower pot plates and trays.

With Chinese New Year just around the corner, NEA said the problem was of added concern.

It urged plant owners and buyers to be vigilant during and immediately after the festive period. Home owners planning to do spring cleaning are advised to properly dispose of the refuse to avoid these becoming unintentional breeding habitats.

Those planning to go on holiday should also mosquito-proof their homes before they travel.

The latest dengue updates can be found at the Stop Dengue Now Facebook page, www.dengue.gov.sg or the myENV app.

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