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SINGAPORE: Approximately 75,000 homes in Singapore will receive toolkits to prevent mosquito breeding, as the National Environment Agency (NEA) launches a new campaign “to stop the possibility” of a second dengue spike later in the year.
Singapore saw one of its worst dengue outbreaks this year, with the case count for the year so far and the weekly number of new cases topping all-time highs.
As of Wednesday (November 18), there have been 33,844 dengue cases in Singapore, with 355 cases reported last week.
“While this is five times less than the peak of 1,792 observed in July this year, the weekly number of dengue cases is still high, roughly twice as high as the number of cases observed in the corresponding period averaged over the last three years”. the agency said.
“This is concerning as we could enter next year with an unusually high number of dengue cases, which could lead to another dengue outbreak next year.”
This was the trend seen in 2014 and 2020, which were dengue outbreak years, NEA said.
READ: Rise in Dengue Cases – Why Singapore May See Worst Outbreak in Years
“Therefore, unlike previous year-end periods, the NEA will continue to adopt a high rate of preventive inspections to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats and further slow down the transmission of dengue,” the agency said.
“Some of these include areas that have not had dengue transmission this year, areas with a high population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes adjacent to dengue clusters, and also construction sites and industrial premises in the vicinity of residential areas.”
FOCUS ON LANDED RESIDENTIAL FARMS
The NEA had found a higher incidence of Aedes mosquito breeding and dengue cases in rural homes compared to private apartments and Housing Board (HDB) apartments.
The “Mozzie-Proof Your Home” toolkits will be distributed to around 75,000 households.
The toolkits include a brochure with information on how to prevent mosquito bites and breeding, as well as a Bti larvicide dip for residents to place in rarely controlled areas, such as roof gutters, drains and water fountains.
It will also come with “visual reminders,” such as weather-resistant stickers, wooden potting markers and refrigerator magnets, to remind residents to look for mosquito breeding habitats.
The National Environment Agency will distribute “Mozzie-Proof Your Home” toolkits to about 75,000 homes in Singapore. (Photo: NEA)
“Because the topography of residential homes is more conducive to mosquito breeding than private apartments and HDB apartments, due to the larger footprint and the greater variety of structures and enclosure types, the NEA encourages residents to practice additional measures to prevent mosquito breeding within their homes and compounds, “said NEA.
READ: Comment – Uncovering the Factors Fueling Singapore’s Record Cases of Dengue
These include turning containers over and storing them indoors when not in use; covering water storage containers and using the water in them immediately; maintain water sources regularly; and cleaning gutters and roof drains, he said.
“Diligent completion of all of the above actions will reduce the risk of becoming infected with dengue and thus protect residents and their families,” NEA said, adding that dengue cluster alert banners will also continue to be posted in residential properties.
FIVE DENGUE CLUSTERS CLOSED IN THE LAST WEEK
A total of 106 dengue clusters were reported in Singapore as of Wednesday, a decrease of 15 clusters from the previous week.
Five dengue clusters were closed last week, at Pasir Ris Drive 10 (116 cases), Cambridge Road (103 cases), Cheng Soon Garden (102 cases), Fernvale Road (94 cases) and Ah Hood Road (75 cases).
A total of 2,836 of the 2,942 dengue clusters reported since the beginning of this year have been closed.
NEA said it has also observed a slower rate of transmission of the disease in some of the largest dengue groups, such as the group of 58 cases in Jalan Limau Bali, with an average of less than one case reported per day in recent years. two weeks.
However, large clumps of dengue remain, including on Carman Street and Elite Park Avenue, Tampines North Drive 2, Pasir Ris Drive 3, Bunga Rampai Place and Boon Lay Place, NEA said.
“To combat these large groups of dengue, the NEA has been working closely with key stakeholders from various government agencies in the Inter-Agency Dengue Task Force, including city councils, on sustained environmental stewardship efforts,” he added.
