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Singapore Dengue Cases Return to Epidemic Level

by VR Sreeraman on Jul 3 2007 3:52 PM

Dengue cases in affluent Singapore have reached 'epidemic' levels for the second time in the past month, health ministry data monitored Tuesday said.

The Ministry of Health said 381 cases were reported between June 24 and 30, above the 'epidemic threshold' of 378 cases per week.

Dengue cases crossed the threshold for the first time since 2005 earlier in June, when 401 cases were reported in the week of June 10 to 16, the ministry said.

Singapore experienced its worst dengue fever outbreak in 2005 when 19 people died from the disease and more than 13,000 were infected.

Three people have died from dengue and there have been 3,597 cases in the first 26 weeks of the year, the ministry said.

Singapore has launched a massive publicity campaign to educate residents about dengue.

It has also stepped up efforts to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds in the island-state, which has a reputation as one of the world's cleanest cities.

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Dengue is traditionally associated with poorer tropical countries. The disease leads to a sudden onset of fever with severe headaches, muscle and joint pains, and rashes.

Source-AFP
SRM/M


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