“As NEA expects a surge in the number of dengue cases in the coming months, it is critical that all residents and stakeholders take immediate action to suppress the Aedes mosquito population and break disease transmission,” it said.
On Saturday, NEA launched its annual National Dengue Prevention Campaign ahead of the traditional peak dengue season.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment Baey Yam Keng urged members of the public and stakeholders to take urgent collective action to reduce mosquito breeding habitats.
SIX TIMES MORE DENGUE CASES IN 2022 THAN IN 2021
According to NEA, a total of 32,173 dengue cases were reported in 2022, the second-highest annual number after the 35,266 in 2020.
The number of cases reported in 2022 is also six times higher than the previous year.
“In 2022, NEA conducted about 911,000 mosquito inspections islandwide and uncovered about 23,600 mosquito breeding habitats,” NEA said.
“At dengue cluster areas, about 66 per cent of Aedes mosquito breeding detected were in homes, 26 per cent in public areas, and 3 per cent at construction sites.”
NEA also took 11,800 enforcement actions against owners of premises for mosquito breeding, with about 750 fines and 129 stop work orders issued to construction sites. Seventy-five contractors were also charged in court for repeat offences.
To further reduce dengue numbers, NEA urged everyone to maintain good housekeeping and ensure that essential vector control measures are undertaken at all premises under their responsibility.
Residents, especially those residing at dengue cluster areas, are reminded to take steps to protect themselves.
This includes spraying insecticides in dark corners around the house, applying insect repellent regularly and wearing long-sleeve tops and long pants.
Stakeholders should also take immediate action to suppress Aedes mosquito population and break disease transmission. This includes measures such as breaking up hardened soil, lifting and emptying empty flowerpot plates, as well as overturning pails and wiping their rims.