Woman, 81, dies of dengue

An 81-year-old woman from Serangoon North has died of dengue at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a joint press release that they have been notified of the death of the dengue patient at TTSH and wished to "express our deepest condolences to the family of the patient".

She was first seen at the TTSH Emergency Department on Sept 6 and diagnosed with dengue. ​​Her condition deteriorated and she died today. (Sept 13)

The woman lived at Serangoon North Ave 1, where there is an active cluster with two cases. 

The joint statement said that one outdoor ground​ breeding site was detected in an outlet pipe of an open drain. Vector control operations to kill any infective adult mosquitoes and destroy any potential breeding habitats are ongoing. 

Residents are encouraged to cooperate fully.

Peak dengue season

"We are still in the midst of the peak dengue season in Singapore and a large proportion of our population is still susceptible to dengue infection due to the lack of immunity," MOH and NEA said in the statement.

"We urge everyone to continue maintaining vigilance 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," the agencies said.

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 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 further dengue transmission, the agencies advised.