(Edited by Rao Xiandi).
According to data released by Singapore's National Environment Agency, a total of 2,546 dengue fever cases were reported from October to December 2023, rising for seven consecutive weeks, and as of 3 pm on January 22, 2024, the cumulative number of cases in 2024 has reached 1,180, double the monthly average of the previous quarter.
Dengue fever is an acute insect-borne infection caused by dengue virus transmitted by mosquitoes, which is caused by the infectious filtration toadstool of Aedes mosquitoes. The clinical manifestations are acute onset, high fever, headache, severe pain in muscles, bones and joints, rash, bleeding tendency, lymphadenopathy, decreased white blood cell count, thrombocytopenia, etc. It can affect people of all ages, but rarely causes death, and the virus can remain dormant in the body for 3 to 14 days.
Singapore has been experiencing continuous rainy weather for nearly a month, and the temperature has stabilized at around 30°C, which is the season of active mosquitoes. According to Singapore's National Environment Agency**, a total of 355 dengue fever cases have been reported in Singapore from 31 December 2023 to 8 January 2024. From January 14 to 20, 2024, there were a total increase of 410 cases, 15 more than the previous week, and as of 3 pm on January 22, there were 70 new cases, bringing the cumulative number of cases in 2024 to 1,180. In addition to the increase in cases, the number of active dengue fever cases in Singapore has increased to 83 so far, surging by 20 dengue fever black areas, and its Chinese Gift Shop is the hardest hit area! As of 22 January, there have been 216 cases in Boon Lai Fang.
In response to dengue fever, Singapore's National Environment Agency uses biological means to sterilize mosquitoes to reduce mosquito infestation, and research on mosquito control, when the release of male Aedes mosquitoes with Wolbachia and female Aedes mosquitoes, they can lay eggs that cannot hatch, thereby suppressing the number of Aedes mosquitoes. After a certain number of male Wolbachia mosquitoes were cultivated in the laboratory, they were removed from the dengue fever black area and released. In addition, the NEA has stated that it will not hesitate to take strict enforcement action on individual cases. If a tenant is found to have repeatedly violated the ordinance and has more than one Aedes mosquito breeding area, he or she can face a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than three months, or both, and repeat offenders will face heavier penalties or be charged in court. People can call 6225-5632** to notify the NEA of the incident.
The best way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid being bitten by Aedes mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever usually breed near or inside homes, and any place where there is stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so the stagnant water in the house should be cleaned up in time. The wisest way to avoid mosquito bites is to avoid areas where dengue virus infection is high. Preventive measures include choosing a room with a mosquito net or air-conditioning, spraying insecticides to kill mosquitoes in the house, and spraying insect repellents containing diethyl toluamide. Keep your home clean inside and out, and inspect and repair defective roof drainage systems from time to time.