8 Facts About The Dengue Cluster At Jurong West That Reportedly Caused 3 Deaths

With all that’s happening in Singapore these past few days, you’d think we deserve a break.

But nope, there are more troubles brewing on the horizon.

Specifically for the westies.

An active dengue fever cluster was found in Jurong West and it has already killed three people.

Here are 8 facts about it, and what you can do to keep safe.

1. What Exactly Happened?

On 5 May 2018, The National Environment Agency (NEA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) said that there is an active dengue fever cluster at Jurong West St 91 and 92.

The HDB blocks in this cluster are 933, 940, 943, 945, 946, 947, 948, 949, 950 and 952.

Here’s a map to show you the area.

(Yes, it’s pretty near City Harvest Church)

There are 60 reports of dengue fever in the area since the start of this cluster.

2. Three deaths suspected to be linked to this dengue fever cluster

So far, three individuals have reportedly fallen to this cluster.

A 68-year-old Singaporean woman died on 13 Apr 2018 while she was overseas.

Another one is a 41-year-old Singaporean man who was admitted to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital on 29 Apr 2018. Unfortunately, his condition worsened and he died on 3 May.

The third person to die from dengue fever was a 63-year-old Singaporean woman. She was admitted to Ng Teng Fong on Tuesday and passed away on 3 May.

3. Blk 950 has the highest report of dengue fever, followed closely by Blk 947

According to an active dengue fever cluster report on NEA’s website, the alert level for the area is red.

Blk 950 has the highest amount of reported cases at 20.

It’s followed closely behind by Blk 947 with 15 reported dengue fever cases.

Of the 60 cases, 32 of them were reported in the past two weeks. In other words, it’s worsening.

4. Other areas that has a red alert for dengue

Other than Jurong West St 91 and 92, there are two other areas identified as red alert by NEA.

They are Bedok North St 3 with 37 reported cases and Cashew Cres, Lk / Chestnut Dr with 16 reported cases.

Unlike Jurong West, these two areas has fewer reported cases within the last two weeks.

Four other areas were identified as yellow alert zones. Thankfully, their numbers remained in the single digit zone.

5. The largest dengue cluster to happen in Singapore this year

NEA stated that they have been notified about the cluster since 3 Apr 2018.

Over 80 NEA officers were deployed to survey the area and they found a whopping 117 breeding spots as of 3 May.

82 of them were found in residential areas in common habitats like flower bowls, flower vases, fountains, pails and dish drying trays.

The scariest thing is some of the habitats found had larvae counts of up to 200. That’s 200 mosquitoes waiting to be unleashed on unsuspecting Singaporeans.

The remaining 35 breeding grounds were found in ground puddles, gully traps and scuppter drains.

6. Preventive measures taken by NEA

With so many cases and even deaths, you’d know NEA has to take immediate actions.

And they did.

NEA has put up banners and posters to warn residents about the dengue cluster in the area.

They’ve sprayed insecticides in common corridors as well as within residential homes. In addition, they have people going around the estate to inform people about what’s going on.

And if needed, educate them on some preventive measures and what they can do to help curb the problem.

7. If you show these symptoms, please go see a doctor fast

In addition to steps taken in #6, NEA wants residents to know that if they’re showing the following symptoms:

• Sudden fever lasting two to seven days
• Severe headaches with pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain
• Skin rashes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bleeding from the nose or gums
• Easy bruising in the skin

It will help the relevant authorities with better case management.

Also, if you having dengue fever, you’re advised to put on insect repellent. This is to minimise the chances of uninfected mosquitoes biting you, then transmitting it to other people in the area.

8. Remember to do the mozzie wipeout

Last, but not least, every one of you can do your part.

Do the mozzie wipeout.

• Turn the pail
• Tip the vase
• Flip the flower pot plate
• Cap the bamboo pole holder
• Clear the gutter

And don’t think that just because you stay on the higher floors, you’re safe.

Mosquitoes can fly up to 60 metres height, or 21 storeys.

Stay safe people, and it might be a good time to stock up on insect repellent.

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