The number of dengue cases remains high as landed residential homes become the main target for mosquito breeding.
As of 18 November, there have been 33,844 dengue cases reported this year, with 355 cases from the previous week. To counter this, the National Environmental Agency (NEA) will be giving out anti-mosquito kits to residents living in landed homes, the agency announced in press release on Thursday (19 November).
Kits For Mosquito-Free Homes
As part of NEA’s new campaign for mosquito prevention, they will be distributing Mozzie-Proof Your Home tool kits to people living in landed residential residences. The kit contains:
An information booklet about common mosquito breeding habitats in landed homes and how to prevent them from happening within the house. It also has tips on what residents can do to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites as well as further information on mosquito repellents.
Residents will also be provided with one Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) dunk for them to place at areas that are not regularly checked such as roof gutters, drains and water fountains, all of which are potential mosquito breeding spots.
- Weatherproof Stickers, Wooden Plant Pot Markers And Fridge Magnets
For visual reminders to check on these areas, residents will be given stickers, marks and fridge magnets so they can practice regularly checking for any mosquito breeding around their homes.
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How To Prevent Mosquito Breeding Within Your Homes
To help residents living in landed homes, NEA advises them to take additional measures in preventing mosquito breeding within their houses and compounds. These measures may help when practised on a regular basis.
- Turn over containers and store them under shelter when not in use
- Cover all water storage containers
- Maintain water fountains regularly and scrub the interior surfaces to remove mosquito eggs
- Clear roof gutters and drains within the compound
- Also, add Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) larvicide to stagnant water bodies that cannot be removed
There will also be “Mozzie Wipeout” dengue cluster banners put up around landed residential estates for awareness on the ongoing problem. Residents are encouraged to visit NEA’s website and their myENV app to be updated on dengue cases.
Image Source: website / NEA
Dengue Clusters Update
According to NEA, there are still 106 dengue clusters as of 18 November. 15 clusters less than the week before.
Since the beginning of the year, they have managed to close 96% of 2,942 dengue clusters. The reported clusters that were closed the previous week were in the areas of Pasir Ris Drive 10, Cambridge Road, Cheng Soon Garden, Fernvale Road and Ah Hood Road.
But due to the remaining number of dengue cases, NEA said it will continue to have preventive inspections for the removal of mosquito breeding habitats.
NEA hopes this new campaign will raise more awareness on the issue and give the residents a sense of urgency on the situation as to prevent any more dengue cases.
Lead Image: NEA Website
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