Singapore National Dengue Clinical Guideline

This guideline is developed by the National Centre for Infectious Disease (NCID)-led dengue workgroup and methodologically validated by ACE. It bears the 'Guidelines for Guidelines (G4G)' seal (Fig. 1) on its cover page.

In validating the methodology for this guideline, ACE assessed that the guideline meets the ACE G4G standard for clinical guideline development in Singapore. This methodological validation applies for 5 years, unless amended or updated during this period, or otherwise specified. Note that responsibility for clinical decision-making remains with individual providers and heath service providers.

Fig. 1 'Guidelines for Guidelines (G4G) Method Validated' seal

About this guideline

This guideline covers the diagnosis and management of dengue in the local context during the 3 phases of dengue illness: febrile, critical and recovery in the general and special populations such as the elderly, pregnant individuals, infants and children.

Download the guideline

Singapore National Dengue Clinical Guideline (Mar 2026) [PDF]

Guideline recommendations

1.For the diagnosis of dengue infection, symptoms, signs and laboratory test results should be consistent with dengue infection. If there are inconsistencies, further evaluation should be pursued depending on the history, physical examination and/or laboratory test results.

2a. In the first 7 days from symptom onset of suspected dengue infection, tests to detect both dengue virus NS1 antigen and dengue IgM antibodies in human serum, plasma or whole blood OR a dengue polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on whole blood or plasma should be requested. In primary infection, IgM antibodies are detectable in 50% in the first 3–5 days of illness and IgG at the end of the first week.

2b. After 7 days from symptom onset, dengue PCR test on whole blood or plasma generally should not be performed.

3.Dengue is a notifiable disease and should be reported to the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) by medical practitioners using the appropriate platform when suspected and when confirmed through point-of-care tests. Development of dengue haemorrhagic fever requires re-notification within 24 hours from time of diagnosis.

References

Singapore National Dengue Clinical Guideline References (Mar 2026) [PDF]

Feedback

For feedback or enquiries on the dengue guideline, please email contact@ncid.sg

Interested to feature your clinical guideline in ARCG?

Guideline developers may register their interest to have their clinical guidelines considered for inclusion, where they will undergo methodological validation against ACE’s Guidelines for Guidelines (G4G) standards. Local guidelines validated by ACE will carry an official ‘Guidelines for Guidelines’ seal (Fig. 1) on their cover page, reflecting adherence to established guideline development standards, enhancing credibility and adoption potential within the healthcare community.

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