By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

With all the attention about COVID-19 in Singapore, and worldwide for that matter, Singapore saw 400 dengue fever cases during the week ending Feb. 8. During the first six weeks of 2020, 2,129 dengue cases have been reported, a 60 percent increase over last year at this time.

Aedes aegypti/CDC

In 2019, some 16,000 dengue cases were reported in Singapore, one of the worst years as far as numbers of cases (3rd most ever).

One of the biggest concerns for 2020 is the increase in circulation of DENV-3 serotype, which could lead to weekly dengue cases rising above current levels in 2020.

Singapore officials says the Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary vector for the transmission of dengue. It breeds well indoors, in clean, stagnant water easily found in our homes. To prevent an increase in dengue cases, residents and stakeholders must take proactive dengue prevention measures by practicing the following steps immediately and frequently, to remove stagnant water in our surroundings: Turn over the pail, Tip the vase, Flip the flower pot plate, Loosen the hardened soil and clear the roof gutter and place Bti insecticide inside.