By NewsDesk    @infectiousdiseasenews

Officials in Singapore recorded the most dengue fever cases in a week in three and one half years last week, according to data from the National Environment Agency (NEA).

Aedes aegypti/CDC

666 dengue cases were reported in the week ending 13 Jul 2019, 73 cases more than in the previous week. This surpasses the previous weekly peak of 637 cases experienced in Jan 2016.

Year-to-date, officials put the total dengue cases near 7,500, about 5-times the 1,481 dengue cases seen the same period last year.

With summer upon Singapore, officials say urgent action is needed to eliminate potential mosquito breeding habitats in the community.

NEA urges all members of the public and stakeholders to take immediate action, to eradicate potential mosquito breeding habitats and step up housekeeping measures in their respective premises. All residents are strongly encouraged to cooperate with NEA officers and facilitate their checks and indoor misting in their homes.

Persons infected with dengue should protect themselves from mosquito bites by applying repellent regularly. If you are unwell and showing symptoms suggestive of dengue, you are advised to seek medical attention early.

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The symptoms of dengue include:

• Sudden onset of fever for two to seven days
• Severe headache with retro-orbital (behind the eye) pain
• Joint and muscle pain
• Skin rash
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bleeding from the nose or gums
• Easy bruising of the skin