SEVENTY-EIGHT-YEAR-OLD WOMAN PASSES AWAY FROM DENGUE

   The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) have been notified of the death of a dengue patient at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). MOH and NEA wish to express our deepest condolences to the family of the patient.

 2.         The patient was a 78-year-old Chinese woman who lived at Woodlands Avenue 5.  She was first seen at the TTSH Emergency Department (ED) on 31 October 2014 and was admitted. She was diagnosed with dengue and her condition deteriorated. She subsequently passed away on 4 November 2014. 

 3.         The patient’s residence is not in an active dengue cluster. Nonetheless, NEA is conducting vector control inspections in the area. Residents are encouraged to cooperate fully. Despite the dip in cases over the past two weeks, the risk of dengue transmission remains high and NEA advises all stakeholders to stay vigilant and prevent mosquito breeding by doing the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout. All stakeholders need to remove stagnant water from our environment, so as to deprive the mosquitoes of their breeding habitats. Inverting pails and plant pot plates, changing water in vases regularly, and capping bamboo pole holders when they are not in use are simple steps that everyone can take to prevent mosquitoes from establishing a foothold in our neighbourhoods.

 4.         The latest updates on the dengue situation can be found at the Stop Dengue Now Facebook page, www.dengue.gov.sg or the myENV app. Persons infected with dengue should protect themselves from mosquito bites by applying repellent as regularly as possible, and those showing symptoms suggestive of dengue should see their GPs early to be diagnosed.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

4 NOVEMBER 2014