Singapore is going through its worst dengue epidemic this year, with the total number of people falling ill from the mosquito-borne disease reaching 20,115 as of Nov.20 afternoon.

The previous worst year was in 2005 when there were 14,209 reported cases including 25 deaths.

A statement jointly issued on Nov. 20 by the Health Ministry and the National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore says that dengue has killed its seventh victim in the city-state this year on Nov. 16.

The NEA has, as of Oct 28, implemented various anti-dengue measures so far, including distributing insect repellents to those living in cluster areas and schools, as well as recruiting another 300 vector-control officers to add to its 850-strong team.

To supplement its efforts, the NEA also relies on volunteers consisting of residents, students and grassroots leaders — to help educate residents during house visits and community events. There are about 2,000 of such volunteers now and more are being recruited.-VNA