Dengue in Singapore

The Singapore National Environment Agency reports that there have been 8,630 dengue cases in 2019, as of 27 July. This figure is more than five times the total number of dengue cases reported during the same period last year. It is now peak dengue season in Singapore, with 610 cases reported in the week ending 27 July 2019.

Certain parts of Singpore are particularly affected, with large clusters of infection observed across the island, including at Geylang Rd, Chai Chee Ave, Pasir Ris Dr 3, Aljunied Rd, Changi Rd and Jurong East Ave 1.

Advice for Travellers

Dengue is the second most common identified cause of febrile illness in returning travellers and the number of cases in travellers continues to increase. All travellers to endemic regions are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection. Prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites at all times.

Travellers developing a fever during or on return from travel are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Aedes mosquitoes are particularly persistent and aggressive.

Methods of bite avoidance include:

• Wearing long, loose, lightly coloured clothing to cover up the skin at all times.

• The use of insect repellent containing DEET applied to any exposed skin at all times.

• When sunscreen and DEET are used together, DEET should be applied after sunscreen. The effectiveness of repellent reduces more rapidly than sunscreen, therefore, repellent may have to be reapplied on top of sunscreen.

• The use of permethrin, impregnated mosquito nets protects against early morning bites and should also be used when sleeping during the day.

• The use of air conditioning if available and/or mesh screening of windows and doors.

• Eradication of mosquito breeding sites around accommodation/home (e.g. open containers, old tyres or flower pots that may collect water).

Vaccine

No vaccine against dengue fever has been licensed for use in the UK.

For further information see Dengue Fever.