FIFTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD WOMAN PASSES AWAY FROM DENGUE

1.          The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) have been notified of the death of a dengue patient who passed away at Gleneagles Hospital (GEH). MOH and NEA wish to express our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.

2.         The patient was a 59-year-old Chinese woman who lived at Tampines St 32.  On 30 Dec 2013, she was diagnosed with dengue at the Changi General Hospital (CGH) Emergency Department (ED). She was subsequently transferred to Gleneagles Hospital (GEH) for treatment, under a collaboration between the two hospitals for the management of dengue patients. Her condition unfortunately deteriorated and she passed away on 8 Jan 2014.

3.         Vector control operations are ongoing to search and destroy any potential breeding habitats. We urge all residents to cooperate fully with the NEA inspectors conducting ground operations.  Although the case residence is not located within a dengue cluster, residents should 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, by doing the Mozzie Wipeout weekly.

4.        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

8 JANUARY 2014