Singapore: Record low number of dengue cases reported in 2017

Event

Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) announced on Friday, February 9, that only 2772 cases of dengue fever were reported throughout 2017 - the lowest number reported in the last 16 years. Nonetheless, the NEA issued an associated advisory for the Chinese New Year festive period (beginning Friday, February 16, and lasting over two weeks), reminding residents that mosquitoes can breed in ornamental plants traditionally displayed for decoration during this season.

Context

Dengue fever is transmitted via mosquito bites, primarily in urban or peri-urban areas during the day. No treatment or vaccine is currently available. Symptoms of this virus generally appear eight to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and include sudden high fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint pain, and nausea. In more serious cases, hemorrhaging may also occur. Those suffering from dengue fever should not take aspirin (paracetamol) as this may result in complications (e.g. hemorrhaging).

Advice

Individuals present in Singapore are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (small pockets of fresh water, such as rain water that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).