Singapore health officials reported 3,285 dengue fever cases for the whole of last year. However, the National Environmental Agency (NEA) in Singapore reports around 4,000 cases through May 27.

Aedes aegypti mosquito feeding on a human host/CDC

The increase in cases has prompted the NEA to conducted multiple rounds of inspections for mosquito breeding in the cluster areas, as well as outreach activities such as community events and house visits.

Dengue cluster alert banners and alert posters have been put up around the estates and at the lift lobbies, to heighten awareness of both residents as well as members of the public.

NEA will continue to work with Grassroots Advisers, Grassroots Leaders, Dengue Prevention Volunteers (DPVs) and members of the community, to conduct house visits to increase awareness and remind residents to practice the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout. Educational pamphlets and insect repellent are distributed to the residents during the house visits.

Dengue infects nearly 400 million people across more than 120 countries each year. Most survive with few or no symptoms, but more than two million annually develop what can be a dangerous dengue hemorrhagic fever, which kills more than 25,000 people each year.

Subscribe to Outbreak News TV

Dengue viruses are arboviruses (arthropod-borne virus) that are transmitted primarily to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.