According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA), dengue reports have decreased but common cold cases have increased compared to the past year.

HPA states that the number of dengue cases reported this year has fallen in comparison to the month of December last year. A total of 70 people contracted dengue fever in January while there were 43 in February and 40 in March.

A total of 215 people contracted dengue fever in December 2019. Despite the fall in mosquito-borne disease cases, HPA asserts that prevention and protection from diseases like chikungunya and dengue are critical. Hence, the authority has appealed for the public to use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants as a preventive measure against dengue. Care should also be taken to prevent areas with still or stagnant water, says HPA.

Additionally, HPA states that the number of common cold cases reported this year has exceeded that of last year. A total of 22,414 (twenty-two thousand and four hundred and fourteen) presented with common cold symptoms in January whereas 19,633 (nineteen thousand, six hundred and third three) were reported in February and 16,994 (sixteen thousand nine hundred and thirty-three) were reported in March. In comparison, 18,969 (eighteen thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine) in December last year.

HPA has also urged the public to take protective measures against the common cold as well.