In 2013, the city-state of Singapore experienced record numbers of dengue fever cases, trumping all records from previous years. The worst epidemic prior to 2013 was in 2005 when approximately 14,000 cases and 25 deaths were reported.
Last year, in excess of 22,000 cases were reported with seven fatalities.
The first nineteen weeks of 2014 shows that Singapore has a total of 5291 cases, 1159 less than 2013. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page.
While most areas of the country are reporting decreases of the dengue virus, the South West District (Choa Chu Kang, West Coast and Jurong )has seen an increase of more than 50 per cent, possibly due to low immunity levels against DEN-1 among its residents.
During a speech at at the launch of the annual Operation Mozzie-Free in the district yesterday, Senior Minister of State (Health and Manpower) Dr. Amy Khor reminded the public, “The fact is that dengue is endemic and there is no vaccination. Therefore, the best way to protect ourselves and minimize the number of dengue cases would be to constantly remind our residents to be vigilant.”
Another mosquito borne viral disease, chikunguynya, remains at a constant level comparing 2013 to 2014, with 155 and 150 cases, respectively during the first 19 weeks.
