Singapore: Dengue fever outbreak in Jurong West

Event

A dengue fever outbreak has been reported in the Jurong West area of Singapore. According to health officials, at least 65 cases, including two fatal cases, have been confirmed in 2018 as of May 9. Efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds are also to be anticipated in the coming weeks.

Context

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rashes. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Advice

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