330 dengue cases were reported in the week ending 16 Sep 2023, 69 cases more than the previous week. 58 active dengue clusters, of which 11 were with red colour alert (i.e. cluster with 10 or more cases) were reported as of 18 Sep 2023. The 81-case cluster at Science Park Drive and 53-case cluster at Lentor Loop, and 42-case cluster at Club Street have fast rate of dengue transmission. Persistent dengue transmission has also been noted at the 68-case dengue cluster at Angklong Lane, 51-case cluster at Eng Kong Road, as well as at the other large clusters at Toa Payoh, such as the 326-case cluster at Lorong 1, Lorong 2 Toa Payoh, and the 181-case cluster at Lorong 1A Toa Payoh.
With the increase in proportion of the previously less prevalent Dengue virus serotype 1 (DENV-1), Singapore may see a sustained high level of dengue transmission towards the end of the year. The rise in proportion of a previously less prevalent Dengue virus serotype is also of concern, as this has historically been associated with a surge in dengue cases months later. The warmer months from May to October usually see higher dengue transmission in Singapore, due to accelerated development of the Aedes mosquito vector and faster multiplication of the Dengue virus in mosquitoes. Thus immediate action is needed by all to avoid a surge in dengue cases.
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’.
26 Zika cases have also been reported this year to date. The 15-case Zika cluster at Highland Walk / Kovan Rd / Kovan Rd (The Bently Residences@Kovan) / Upp Serangoon Rd is closed. Nonetheless, residents especially pregnant women, are advised to take measures to prevent mosquito bites, monitor their health, and seek medical attention if unwell. There are currently no other Zika clusters.
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
Source eradication of mosquito breeding habitats and spraying of insecticide to control the adult mosquito population remain key to dengue and Zika prevention and control. 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.
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.