78-year-old is 4th person to die from dengue this year

SINGAPORE — A 78-year-old woman has died from dengue, becoming the fourth person to die of the disease this year.

The woman, who lived at Woodlands Avenue 5, was first seen at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) Emergency Department on Oct 31, and was admitted. After being diagnosed with dengue, her condition deteriorated and she died yesterday.

In a release issued last night, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) expressed their condolences to the family of the patient.

They noted that the woman did not live in an area classified as an active dengue cluster.

“Nonetheless, NEA is conducting vector control inspections in the area. Residents are encouraged to cooperate fully,” they said.

They also noted that while the number of cases has dipped over the past two weeks, the risk of dengue transmission remains high.

The number of cases reported last week was 186, down from the weekly numbers seen in July, which soared over 800. Latest figures posted on the NEA’s dengue website showed that 16,784 cases have been detected this year so far.

In September, an 81-year-old woman who lived on Serangoon North Ave 1 — then an active cluster with two cases — died of dengue, after she was admitted and diagnosed at TTSH. Two months before that, 85-year-old man who lived on Joo Chiat Lane — also a former dengue cluster — died a day after he was admitted to hospital.

In January, a 59-year-old woman who lived at Tampines Street 32 died of dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Last year, more than 22,000 people were infected with the mosquito-borne disease last year, with seven fatalities — the worst dengue outbreak Singapore has experienced so far.

The authorities advised those infected with dengue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by applying repellent as regularly as possible. Those showing symptoms suggesting dengue should see their doctors early to be diagnosed.