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Dengue Fever on the Rise in Singapore
Surge in Cases Ahead of Peak Season
Cases More Than Double the Same Period in 2023
Singapore is facing a surge in dengue infections, with cases in the opening quarter of the year more than double that of the same period in 2023. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has reported a total of 3,289 cases of dengue fever in the first three months of 2023, compared to 1,599 cases during the same period last year. This marks a sharp increase of 106%. The surge in cases has occurred ahead of the traditional peak dengue season from May to October, raising concerns among health authorities.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There are four different serotypes of the dengue virus, and infection with one serotype does not provide immunity against the other three. This means that individuals can be infected with dengue fever multiple times throughout their lives.
Symptoms of dengue fever can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and nausea. Severe symptoms can include vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding. In some cases, dengue fever can be fatal.
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Treatment is supportive and includes rest, fluids, and pain relievers. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
The NEA is urging the public to take steps to prevent the spread of dengue fever. These steps include:
- Clearing stagnant water around your home, as this is where mosquitoes breed.
- Using mosquito repellent when outdoors.
- Wearing long sleeves and pants when in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Installing mosquito nets over windows and doors.
If you suspect you have dengue fever, it is important to see a doctor immediately.