‘Stay vigilant’ to prevent year-end rise in dengue cases: NEA

SINGAPORE: Members of the general public have been urged to “stay vigilant” in order to prevent a rise in dengue instances in direction of the tip of the 12 months.

Continued vigilance is required particularly because the Aedes aegypti mosquito inhabitants in Singapore has elevated, the National Environment Agency (NEA) mentioned in an advisory on Tuesday (Oct 26).

The Aedes mosquito inhabitants grew by 22 per cent in September this 12 months, in contrast to the earlier month, with the mosquito inhabitants significantly excessive in some areas of the nation, mentioned NEA. 

These areas embrace Geylang Bahru, Jalan Berseh, Kelantan Lane, Kelantan Road, Jelapang Road and Woodlands Street 81. 

More than 4,500 dengue instances have been reported in Singapore for the reason that begin of the 12 months, and there are at the moment 12 lively dengue clusters. 

While current weekly dengue instances have been decrease than in the identical interval final 12 months, the virus “remains a serious public health threat”, the company mentioned. 

The proportion of dengue instances due to a much less widespread pressure of the virus has additionally elevated. 

The Dengue virus serotype 3 (DENV-3) has accounted for greater than 50 per cent of the serotypes sampled since May this 12 months, NEA mentioned. 

The pressure has been detected in 121 of 254 dengue clusters the place serotypes had been recognized this 12 months, together with the lively 195-case cluster at Florence Road/Hougang Avenue 2. 

The company added that DENV-3 has now changed DENV-2 because the dominant serotype in Singapore.

Prior to 2020, DENV-3 had not been the dominant serotype throughout any main dengue outbreaks in Singapore over the previous three many years, mentioned NEA. 

“Population immunity towards DENV-3 is low, and more persons are inclined to an infection with this serotype," it added.