SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said public hospitals are geared up to face a possible surge in the number of dengue patients.

The Health Ministry is making preparations by assuming a repeat of 2005, where dengue hit epidemic proportions in Singapore.

Since the beginning of this year, the ministry has recorded about 3,600 cases of dengue.

Mr Khaw said based on the data in the last few weeks, the situation does not look optimistic.

He added that if the wet weather continues, Singapore can expect more dengue cases occupying hospital beds.

He said: "In 2005, as many as 300 beds were taken up. It was very inconvenient for patients because the elective cases would have to be rescheduled. I hope we will never reach such an extent, but we can't tell.

"Elective cases are non-emergency cases, so instead of having immediate surgery, one may have to push the date back until this whole outbreak is over."

Mr Khaw said the main problem is that mosquitoes now carry a different strain of dengue that causes more people to come down with the illness.

He reiterated his message to the public to look out for potential mosquito breeding grounds in their homes.


- CNA/so