Breedings found during Dengue Educational Visits are mainly from containers, flower pot plates and vases

Singapore, 20 Jan 2012 – Singapore may be enjoying a brief respite from the Dengue virus during this low dengue transmission period, but the National Environment Agency (NEA) would like to remind the public to not let their guard down this festive period. NEA’s educational visits to homes since November 2011 show that more can be done to keep homes free of mosquito breeding. A majority of the 1,296 breedings detected by officers during these visits were found in domestic containers, flower pot plates and ornamental containers.

Furthermore with the festive period around the corner, many are decorating their homes with floral decorations such as Lucky Bamboos, Cherry Blossoms and Pussy Willows. Extra care by residents will be needed to ensure that their vases and plant bowls for these decorations do not breed mosquitoes. Residents are advised to change the water in these vases/bowls on alternate days.

A serious dengue outbreak in 2011 has been averted owing to the contributions of the various sectors in the community, including households, town councils, government agencies, and construction sites. Dengue cases at about 5,330 in 2011 are much lower than what was expected for a peak or near-peak year of the six- to seven-year dengue cycle traditionally seen in Singapore. The local dengue incident rate i.e. the number of people who came down with the disease per 100,000 population was less than 100, compared to over 300 during the last outbreak in 2005.

NEA will continue to work with members of the Inter Agency Dengue Taskforce to remove as many potential public breeding spots as possible, ahead of the coming warmer months, as well as conduct educational visits in homes. The public is advised to continue practicing the 5-Step Mozzie Wipe-Out every day.

The 5-Step Mozzie Wipe-Out
1. Change water in vases/bowls on alternate days.
2. Remove water from flower pot plates on alternate days.
3. Turn over all water storage containers.
4. Cover bamboo pole holders when not in use.
5. Clear blockages and put Bti insecticide in roof gutters monthly.

~ End of Release ~

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