2013 dengue outbreak in Singapore

Disease	Dengue fever
Pathogen strain
Source
Location	Singapore
First outbreak
First reported
Index case
Dates
Date	2013

The 2013 dengue outbreak in Singapore was a significant public health event that saw a dramatic increase in the number of dengue fever cases in the country. This outbreak was notable for being one of the largest in Singapore's history, with a total of 22,170 reported cases and 8 fatalities.

Background

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The disease is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Southeast Asia.

Singapore, with its tropical climate and urban environment, is particularly susceptible to dengue outbreaks. The country has implemented various measures to control the spread of dengue, including public education campaigns, mosquito control programs, and research into vaccines and treatments.

The Outbreak

The 2013 outbreak began in the early months of the year and peaked in June, when weekly cases exceeded 800. The outbreak was attributed to several factors, including a change in the predominant dengue virus serotype from DENV-2 to DENV-1, which led to a lack of immunity in the population.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore played a crucial role in managing the outbreak. The agency increased its efforts in mosquito control, including fogging operations, inspections of residential and commercial properties, and public education campaigns to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Response and Management

The Singaporean government responded to the outbreak with a multi-pronged approach:

• Enhanced Surveillance: The NEA increased surveillance of dengue cases and mosquito populations to identify hotspots and target interventions more effectively.
• Public Education: Campaigns were launched to educate the public on preventing mosquito breeding, recognizing symptoms of dengue, and seeking early medical attention.
• Community Involvement: Community groups and volunteers were mobilized to assist in outreach efforts and to help identify and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites.
• Research and Development: Efforts were made to accelerate research into dengue vaccines and innovative mosquito control technologies.

Impact

The 2013 dengue outbreak had a significant impact on public health in Singapore. The high number of cases strained healthcare resources, and the outbreak highlighted the need for continued vigilance and innovation in dengue prevention and control.

Also see

• Dengue fever
• Aedes aegypti
• National Environment Agency (Singapore)
• Public health in Singapore

References

• [1] National Environment Agency. "Dengue Cases in Singapore." Retrieved from [NEA website].
• [2] Ministry of Health, Singapore. "Dengue Fever." Retrieved from [MOH website].