Dengue cases rise for second straight week

SINGAPORE — The number of new dengue cases in Singapore has risen again, with 215 cases reported in the week ending June 25, according to the latest figures on the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) dengue website.

Nearly 9,000 dengue cases have been reported in Singapore since the start of the year.

The authorities had previously said that the number could exceed 30,000 — much higher than the record 22,170 cases in 2013.

Five people have died of the mosquito-borne disease so far this year — the same number as the whole of 2014.

There are now 36 active dengue clusters in Singapore — up from 32 the previous week — including seven that are classified as high-risk.

The biggest cluster is in the area around Geylang and Guillemard Road, where 99 cases have been reported, including one in the past fortnight.

Noting that Singapore is now in the traditional peak season for dengue, the NEA called on the public to continue to be vigilant.

“The majority of mosquito breeding habitats are still being found in homes, such as in domestic containers, flower pot plates and trays,” the NEA said on its website.

Since March 14, the NEA has extended its enforcement regime to all residences found to be breeding mosquitoes — whether they are within or outside dengue clusters — to ensure that all homeowners take immediate steps to remove and prevent mosquito breeding in their premises.

It also encourages the public to help stop the dengue transmission cycle by doing the five-step Mozzie Wipeout on alternate days, such as changing water in vases and bowls and removing water from flower pot plates.