Dengue Cases in Singapore Expected to Rise in 2022 – NEA

The National Environment Agency (NEA) is anticipating the rise of dengue cases this 2022 due to three factors: the high Aedes aegypti mosquito population in the city-state, which has increased by 17% in December 2021; low population immunity for the less common yet circulating dengue virus serotype 3 (DENV-3); and the continued work from home arrangements, which could mean more biting opportunities for the day-biting Aedes aegypti.

"[W]e are expecting dengue case numbers in 2022 to exceed that in 2021," the NEA said. "Concerted community action and sustained vector control efforts are urgently required, to prevent escalation of dengue case numbers to outbreak levels."

There was a total of 5,258 dengue cases in 2021, according to the NEA on Jan. 25. This followed a two-year outbreak in 2020 (35,315) and 2019 (15,998), which saw the creation of cross-protective immunity in the community. This immunity, however, is short-lived against other serotypes and could already be waning.

Currently, there are 24 active dengue clusters in Singapore. Four large clusters are located at Cleantech Loop, Jalan Bangau, Denham Close/Dunearn Road/Hua Guan Avenue, and Dunearn Road, with DENV-3 having been detected in two of the four large clusters.

The NEA has since urged the public to remain vigilant and prevent mosquito breeding by getting rid of stagnant water in homes and other premises.