Three dengue-related deaths reported in Jurong West cluster

SINGAPORE — Three people who lived in a dengue cluster at Jurong West — the largest so far this year — have died in the past three weeks, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a press release on Saturday (May 5).

The first case involved a 68-year-old Singaporean woman who died on April 13 while overseas. About two weeks later, on April 29, a 41-year-old Singaporean man was admitted to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH). His condition deteriorated, and he died on May 3. The same day, another 63-year-old Singaporean woman died, after she was admitted to NTFGH on May 1.

The deaths were among 60 dengue cases that have been reported in the cluster which comprise 10 blocks (Blocks 933, 940, 943, 945, 946, 947, 948, 949, 950 and 952) in Jurong West Street 91, and two blocks (Blocks 920 and 928) in Jurong West Street 92.

"MOH and NEA wish to express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. We are currently investigating the factors that may have contributed to the severe cases in the cluster," the agencies said.

Since the cluster was notified on April 3, NEA has deployed 80 officers to check for and destroy mosquito breeding in the area. In view of the ongoing transmission, 60 more officers have been brought in, as NEA stepped its inspections and outreach efforts in the area.

Multiple rounds of checks have been carried out, both in the day and in the evenings when residents are back from work, as well as on weekends. As at May 3, a total of 117 breeding habitats were detected.

Of these, 82 were found in residential premises, in common habitats such as flower bowls, flower vases, fountain, pails, and dish drying trays, some with very high larvae count of up to 200 larvae. Another 35 were found in common areas or other premises such as ground puddles, gully traps and scupper drains.

There were no construction-related mosquito breeding found in this area. NEA has also conducted spraying of insecticides in the common corridors and in residents' homes.

MOH and NEA said dengue cluster alert banners and posters have been put up around the estate and in the lift lobbies. NEA is also working with members of the community to conduct house visits to create awareness and to remind residents to practise the five-step Mozzie Wipeout, to see a doctor if they have a fever, and to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. During the visits, educational pamphlets and insect repellents would be distributed.