In Singapore, a total of 15,998 dengue cases were reported last year, almost five times the number for 2018. However, the figure is lower than the annual numbers reported in 2013 and 2014.

The surge in dengue cases in 2019 may be attributable to several factors – including a high Aedes aegypti mosquito population, warmer weather and low population immunity.

The less common dengue-3 serotype has been detected in more clusters across the island, including at the large clusters of Jalan Bangau near Yio Chu Kang, Cashew Road in Bukit Panjang and Jalan Paras in Chai Chee.

As Singapore has not seen a dengue-3 outbreak in the last three decades, the population immunity for dengue-3 is low and therefore more susceptible to transmission of the virus.

Since 2016, Singapore has seen mostly cases of the dengue-2 serotype. As of Monday, there were 107 active dengue clusters in Singapore.

Dr KK Aggarwal

President CMAAO, HCFI and Past National President IMA