Likely Surge in Dengue Cases in Coming Months and Sufficiency of Hospital Bed Capacity for Severe Cases

78 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what is the likelihood of a surge in dengue cases in the coming months; and (b) whether the Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure sufficient hospital bed capacity for severe dengue cases.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The current number of dengue cases remains high and the risk of a surge of cases persists. This is because the expected warmer than usual year-end weather due to the current El Nino phenomenon and wetter conditions in the coming weeks may create more favourable conditions for mosquito breeding and dengue transmission.

The National Environment Agency works closely with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and other Government agencies through the Inter-Agency Dengue Task Force to monitor and manage the dengue situation. While most dengue cases can be managed by general practitioners and polyclinics, MOH ensures that hospitals have adequate capacity to provide timely medical care for dengue patients who need it, including severe cases which require hospitalisation.

I urge members of the public and all other stakeholders to take immediate actions to remove potential mosquito breeding habitats and avoid mosquito bites in order to prevent a surge of dengue cases in the coming months.