SINGAPORE - In the wake of the death of a 20-year-old Singaporean from dengue, NEA said it is conducting thorough vector control operations around his residence at Hougang to prevent mosquito breeding.
In a joint statement, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) said they have been notified of the death of Mr Ang Yong Han who lived at block 103 in Hougang Avenue 1.
NEA said that he was first seen by doctors at Tan Tock Seng Hospital's (TTSH) emergency department on May 23 and diagnosed as having a viral fever.
His condition was reported to be stable and he was discharged with advice to return to the emergency department if his symptoms worsened. He was also asked to visit an outpatient clinic for follow up and a repeat blood test.
Mr Ang subsequently returned to TTSH on May 26 and was admitted as a dengue case. During admission, his condition deteriorated despite medical interventions, and he passed away on May 29 from dengue shock syndrome.
MOH and NEA said that this is the first dengue death case this year and it highlights the urgency for greater community vigilance to stamp out possible mosquito breeding spots.
Hence NEA will be conducting thorough vector control operations at Hougang Avenue 1, which is a dengue cluster. NEA advised residents to fully cooperate with the inspectors conducting ground operations.
MOH and NEA said they wish to express their deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. "We strongly encourage all Singaporeans to take appropriate precautions to prevent mosquito breeding by doing the Mozzie Wipeout weekly," they added.
"Everyone needs to play their part and be socially responsible to stop the chain of transmission in the community."
Those 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, NEA said.
More details on this can be found in www.dengue.gov.sg.
yamadak@sph.com.sg