Fifth dengue death in Singapore

                      The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) have been notified of the death of a dengue patient who lived at Corporation Walk. This is the fifth local dengue death case this year. MOH and NEA wish to express our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased patient.

2.       The patient was a 52-year-old Chinese male who was first seen at Jurong Polyclinic on 29 Jun 2013 with a 2-day history of fever. He returned to the polyclinic on 4 Jul 2013 as he was still having fever. He was referred by the Polyclinic to the National University Hospital (NUH) emergency department (ED) and was admitted to the Medical Intensive Care Unit on the same day. He was diagnosed with Dengue Shock Syndrome. The patient’s condition improved transiently after dialysis and supportive therapy but he remained critically ill with low blood counts. The patient’s condition deteriorated after he developed pneumonia with septic shock on 11 Aug. He passed away on 13 Aug.

3.       The patient’s residence was in a dengue cluster of three cases which closed on 17 Jul 2013 and two breeding habitats were found in July, one in a vase and another in a flower pot. NEA inspectors will continue with checks in the area and residents are encouraged to cooperate fully. They should also remain vigilant and clear any stagnant water in their homes and the vicinity. The key to effective dengue control is to eliminate all mosquito breeding habitats.

4.         We are still in the midst of dengue season in Singapore. With our low population herd immunity, we would like to urge everyone to continue remaining vigilant to take appropriate precautions to prevent mosquito breeding by doing the Mozzie Wipeout weekly, so as to help sustain the current downward trend in mosquito breeding spots.

5.         More details on the latest dengue situation can be found at www.dengue.gov.sg. Persons who suspect they may have dengue should consult their doctors as early as possible and use mosquito repellents in order to reduce the risk of spreading the infection further.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

13 AUGUST 2013