Dengue levels at record high, with 432 cases reported last week
By Margaret Perry, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 09 July 2007 2214 hrs

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SINGAPORE: The dengue epidemic is far from over – last week, the highest number of cases for the year was registered in Singapore.

There were 432 cases of dengue, up from 381 cases the previous week.

This brings the total number of cases so far this year to 4,029.

Pasir Ris Drive 6 is currently the worst hit area, with 42 cases reported last week.

There are currently almost 100 dengue clusters across the island, with Pasir Ris, West Coast, Tampines and Geylang registering the most cases.

But there is some good news. A cluster in Kim Keat, which has been a problem for weeks, has now been cleared as no new cases have been reported in the 14 days since the last dengue case.

Recent spells of rain and warm weather have provided ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes mosquito.

The Ministry of Health said this, coupled with a change in the predominant strain of virus from Den-1 to Den-2, has contributed to the recent spike in dengue cases.

West Coast is another area badly affected. The first dengue cluster there was detected on 16 May.

Last week, the National Environment Agency (NEA) stepped up its door-to-door inspections during the weekend and at night.

A total of 32 breeding sites were found, with the majority (21) found in buildings and homes.

The NEA has urged residents to keep their homes free of stagnant water and to spray insecticide into dark corners such as behind sofas.

Insect repellent is a good form of protection - dengue patients are also advised to use it to prevent mosquitoes biting them and spreading the disease to their family members and neighbours. - CNA/yy