Preparing for Dengue Season 2025 in Singapore: What You Need to Know
- Oaklife Family Clinic
- Jun 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 5
If you live in Singapore, chances are you’ve heard someone say, “The mozzies are back.” And with dengue fever cases on the rise, it's not just a nuisance — it's a national health concern.
In 2024, Singapore recorded over 10,000 dengue cases by July, exceeding the total cases for all of 2023. With this upward trend and peak dengue season approaching again in 2025, early preparation can help keep your family safe.
Is There Still Dengue in Singapore?
Yes — dengue is endemic in Singapore, and 2024’s data confirms it’s not going away. According to the NEA and The Straits Times:
Over 10,188 dengue cases were reported by July 2024
13 dengue-related deaths occurred in the first half of the year (more than double 2023's count)
70 active dengue clusters were recorded, including 10 high-risk “red” clustersThe largest cluster had 410 cases in Bukit Panjang
According to NEA and infectious disease experts, Singapore averted major outbreaks in 2022 and 2023 by staying vigilant. But 2024’s early spike shows that complacency can quickly reverse progress.
What is Dengue Fever?
An uninfected female Aedes mosquito gets infected with the Dengue virus when it bites a person infected with dengue, and then transmits dengue to other healthy individuals it bites after that. Dengue fever is a disease caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
When Is Dengue Fever Season in Singapore?
The dengue fever season in Singapore typically peaks from May to October. Warm, humid weather during this time accelerates mosquito breeding and virus transmission.
In March 2024, NEA warned of a possible surge ahead of the dengue peak season, citing:
A rise in Aedes aegypti mosquito activity
Low natural immunity in the population
Persistent urban breeding grounds
With these risk factors still in place, 2025’s dengue season may mirror — or even surpass — 2024’s outbreak.
Dengue Fever Symptoms Singapore Residents Should Know
Recognising symptoms early makes all the difference. Common dengue fever symptoms in Singapore include:
Sudden high fever (>38.5°C)
Severe headache (especially behind the eyes)
Muscle and joint pain (known as “breakbone fever”)
Skin rash
Nausea or vomiting
Mild bleeding (e.g. gums, nosebleeds, or easy bruising)
Symptoms usually appear 4 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Signs of Severe Dengue to Watch For
Some patients may experience complications after the fever subsides — usually around days 4 to 7 of illness. Watch for:
Persistent abdominal pain
Bleeding from gums, nose, or in stool
Vomiting blood
Sudden fatigue or restlessness
Cold extremities or signs of shock
These could indicate dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which are medical emergencies. If you notice these, seek care immediately.
When to Visit the Doctor for Dengue
You should consult a doctor if:
You have a high fever with no improvement after 2 days
You live in or near a dengue cluster area
You or your child feel unusually tired, dizzy, or unwell
You’re unsure whether symptoms are dengue or something else
At Oaklife Family Clinic, we offer dengue rapid testing, monitoring, and personalised care. We are also CHAS-approved, so subsidies may apply.
What You Can Do at Home for Mild Dengue
If diagnosed early and your case is mild, you can recover at home under supervision:
Drink fluids: Stay well-hydrated with water, clear soups, or ORS
Rest thoroughly
Take paracetamol for fever and body aches (Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen — these can increase bleeding risk)
Your doctor will guide you on safe recovery and when to return for follow-up.
How to Prepare for Dengue 2025: Prevention Tips
As we head into 2025’s peak dengue season, prevention is your best defence:
✅ Eliminate stagnant water at home (flowerpots, drains, pails)
✅ Apply insect repellent daily – especially around legs and ankles
✅ Install mosquito screens or nets where possible
✅ Wear long sleeves and trousers when outdoors
✅ Do the NEA Mozzie Wipeout once a week
If you live in a dengue cluster, take extra precautions — including spraying dark corners and common areas.
“Prevention is key, especially for families living near known clusters. Many dengue cases can be avoided with simple weekly habits like checking for standing water or using repellent. These steps may seem small, but they make a big difference,” says Dr Daniel Lim, Senior Family Physician at Oaklife Family Clinic.
Stay Prepared with Oaklife Family Clinic
At Oaklife Family Clinic, we’re here to help your family stay healthy before, during, and after the 2025 dengue fever season in Singapore.
We offer:
Same-day dengue screening and consultation
Child-friendly care for young ones with fever
CHAS-approved subsidies for eligible patients
📍Plan ahead. Protect your family. Book your visit with Oaklife Family Clinic today.
FAQs About Dengue in Singapore
Q. Can I get dengue more than once?
Yes. There are four different dengue virus strains (DENV-1 to DENV-4), and getting infected with one does not protect you from the others. In fact, repeat infections may carry a higher risk of developing severe dengue due to a phenomenon called antibody-dependent enhancement.
Q. Is dengue contagious from person to person?
No, dengue is not spread directly between people. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. However, if a mosquito bites someone with dengue and then bites another person, it can spread the virus — making mosquito control crucial.
Q. How long does it take to recover from dengue?
Recovery from mild dengue typically takes 7 to 10 days. However, fatigue and weakness can last several weeks. Patients should rest, stay well-hydrated, and attend medical reviews to monitor their recovery, especially during the critical phase after fever subsides.
Q. What blood tests are used to diagnose dengue?Doctors may use:
NS1 antigen test (for early detection)
Dengue IgM/IgG antibody tests (to confirm recent or past infection)
Full blood count (FBC) to check platelet levels and white blood cells Oaklife Family Clinic offers rapid dengue testing and follow-up care.
Q. Can children get dengue?
Yes, children can get dengue, and their symptoms may differ slightly from adults. Watch for fever, loss of appetite, drowsiness, and rash. Children are also at risk of dehydration and may need closer monitoring for warning signs of severe dengue.
Q. Is there a vaccine for dengue in Singapore?
Yes, Singapore approved the Qdenga dengue vaccine in 2023 for individuals aged 6 to 45 years who have had a previous dengue infection. It is not part of the national immunisation schedule and may not be suitable for everyone — speak to a doctor to assess eligibility.
Q. Can I go to work or school if I have dengue?
No. If you are diagnosed with dengue, you should stay home and rest. This helps prevent mosquito transmission to others and allows your body to recover. Returning to school or work should only be done when fever has subsided and energy levels have returned to normal.
Q. What’s the difference between dengue and COVID-19 symptoms?
Both may start with fever and body aches, but:
Dengue often presents with rash, eye pain, and bleeding
COVID-19 typically involves cough, sore throat, and respiratory symptoms Consult a doctor to confirm the cause — both may require testing.
