Dengue cases in Singapore surged to 8,195

First dengue fatality recorded.

The Singapore government is intensifying its measures against dengue as cases hit 8,195 as of Friday, 31 May.

In a release, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) have been notified of the death of a dengue patient who lived at Hougang Avenue 1. This is the first dengue death case this year and it highlights the urgency for greater community vigilance to stamp out possible mosquito breeding spots.

The patient was a 20-year-old Singaporean Chinese male who was seen at Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s (TTSH) emergency department (ED) on 23 May and diagnosed as having viral fever. His condition was reported to be stable and he was discharged with advice to return to the ED if his symptoms worsened. He was also asked to visit an outpatient clinic for follow up and a repeat blood test.

The patient subsequently returned to TTSH’s ED on 26 May and was admitted as a dengue case. During admission, his condition deteriorated despite medical interventions, and he passed away on 29 May.

NEA is conducting thorough vector control operations at the vicinity of the case’s residence (Hougang Avenue 1), which is a dengue cluster. Residents should cooperate fully with the NEA inspectors conducting ground operations.