By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews 

The National Environment Agency (NEA) in Singapore has reported 7,502 dengue fever cases through May 15 this year, doubling the case count for the same period in 2019.

NEA also reports at least seven dengue-related deaths to date. The deceased were between 60 and 80 years of age and had lived or worked within dengue clusters, according to the NEA.

Officials warn there is usually a higher transmission of dengue in Singapore during the warmer months of May to September.

This is due to accelerated breeding and maturation cycles for the Aedes mosquitoes and shorter incubation periods for the dengue virus.

Aedes aegypti mosquito merchandise

With more people working from home, this increases their exposure to bites by Aedes mosquitoes that can carry the dengue virus, especially if they are living in a cluster area or an area with high mosquito population.

Homeowners and occupants are urged to pay attention to any mosquito breeding or adult mosquitoes present in homes, and to take the necessary steps to prevent or remove them. This includes regularly doing the Mozzie Wipeout and removing any stagnant water from homes, applying mosquito repellent to protect themselves from mosquito bites, and spraying insecticide in dark corners of the home, such as under the bed, and sofa, behind the curtains, and in the toilets.

NEA also reminds all owners of premises, especially those for construction and renovation sites, which have a propensity for water pooling that allows for larger mosquito breeding habitats, to apply for “Time-Limited Exemptions (TLEs)”, to allow their workers to return to their premises to perform essential mosquito prevention measures during this period, including:

  • Ensuring proper housekeeping within compounds;
  • Ensuring routine pest control checks and treatments are sustained to prevent mosquito breeding (especially at construction and renovation sites, even if these are closed during this period);
  • Removing all unwanted, water-bearing receptacles;
  • Covering toilet bowls;
  • Ensuring drains are free from chokage and stagnant water;
  • Adding sand granular insecticide (temephos) or Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) insecticide, or applying anti-mosquito oil to stagnant water bodies that cannot be removed; and
  • Closing windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering, etc.