Two elderly men have died from dengue this month — the first couple of cases involving dengue-related deaths in Singapore in 2019.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) confirmed that a 74-year-old resident of Bedok Reservoir Road died on Feb 3, while a 77-year-old resident of Hougang Avenue 3 died on Feb 7.
The two locations have since been categorized as dengue clusters, where NEA officers have carried out insecticide spraying in homes and in public common areas.
So far, six dengue cases have been reported at Hougang Avenue 3. Two mosquito breeding habitats detected in common areas were found and destroyed.
The massive dengue cluster encircled by Bedok Reservoir Road, Jalan Damai, Jalan Tenaga and Kaki Bukit Avenue 1 however currently hold a total of 167 reported dengue cases. 102 mosquito breeding habitats were destroyed as of Friday, including 79 found in residential premises, eight in industrial premises and 15 in common areas.
“Persons infected with dengue should protect themselves from mosquito bites by applying repellent regularly,” advised NEA. “If you are unwell and showing symptoms suggestive of dengue, you are advised to seek medical attention early.”
In 2018 alone, a total of 3,285 dengue cases were reported in Singapore — a 20 percent rise from the 2,772 cases recorded in the preceding 12 months. Five people aged between 41 to 75 died of dengue fever last year.
