343 dengue cases were reported in the week ending 20 Apr 2024, 35 cases more than in the previous week. 81 active dengue clusters, of which 24 were with red colour alert (i.e. cluster with 10 or more cases), were reported as of 22 Apr 2024. The 165-case cluster at Bukit Batok Street 21 and the 89-case cluster at Marsiling Road/Marsiling Rise closed on 19 Apr 2024. Fast rate of dengue transmission has been observed at the following clusters:
- 144-cases at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3/Avenue 4
- 83-cases at Gangsa Road
The weekly number of reported dengue cases has remained high, at above 300, since the start of 2024. The Aedes aegypti mosquito population has also remained high, with about 5,100 mosquito breeding habitats detected islandwide from January 2024 to March 2024. There are four Dengue virus serotypes circulating in Singapore. Dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) has been predominant since September 2023, with prior periodic dominance of DENV-1 and DENV-3 in 2023. Our population’s immunity to all four Dengue virus serotypes remains low. The continued presence of all these dengue risk factors may lead to a surge in dengue cases in the coming months, if insufficient action is taken.
There are currently no Zika clusters, and five isolated Zika cases have been reported in 2024 to date. The area of potential Zika transmission at Boon Lay Place notified in February 2024 has been closed, as no further Zika virus signals have been detected within the transmission area since then. No further Zika cases have been reported at Boon Lay area since the first case in December 2023. With continued dengue transmission islandwide, residents, especially pregnant women, are advised to take measures to prevent mosquito bites, monitor their health, and seek medical attention if unwell.
Similar to the dengue virus, the Zika virus is transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito.
With presence of the Aedes mosquito vector in Singapore, everyone is urged to maintain vigilance and play his part to prevent further localised disease transmission, through regularly practising the following Mozzie Wipeout ‘B-L-O-C-K’ steps:
‘B-L-O-C-K’ steps
Break up hardened soil
Lift and empty flowerpot plates
Overturn pails and wipe their rims
Change water in vases
Keep roof gutters clear and place BTI insecticide inside
Collective community action and vigilance are critical to help prevent a surge in dengue cases. All stakeholders and the community are urged to take immediate action to remove stagnant water from our environment and maintain good housekeeping, to deprive mosquitoes of potential breeding habitats.
Residents are urged to allow NEA officers to inspect their premises and conduct spraying of insecticide, to enable immediate removal of adult mosquitoes to stop dengue and Zika transmission.Everyone should use insect repellent and carry out other ‘S-A-W’ actions, to protect themselves from being bitten by the Aedes mosquito. Individuals diagnosed with or suspected to be infected with dengue are also advised to avoid further mosquito bites, by using insect repellent and carrying out S-A-W actions, to prevent passing on the Dengue virus to mosquitoes and other people in their neighbourhoods.
‘S-A-W’ steps
Spray insecticide in dark corners around the house
Apply insect repellent regularly
Wear long-sleeve tops and long pants
Repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin or IR3535 as the active ingredient, are the most effective in repelling mosquitoes. For more information, please refer to the ‘Guidelines on the use of Mosquito Repellent Spray’.
Persons showing symptoms suggestive of dengue or Zika infections should see a medical practitioner early, to be diagnosed and managed accordingly. Early diagnosis can facilitate better case management. Thosewith dengue or Zika infection should apply mosquito repellent regularly, so that mosquitoes do not bite and pick up the virus from them before biting someone else, thus reducing further disease transmission.
Symptoms suggestive of dengue infection 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 of the skin.
Symptoms suggestive of Zika infection include:
- Fever;
- Rash;
- Joint pain;
- Muscle pain;
- Headache;
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes),
Although rare, Zika virus infection can cause microcephaly in unborn babies of pregnant women
Please visit the Ministry of Health’s website for more information on Dengue and Zika.
The latest updates can also be found on the NEA website, and myENV app.