As of the week ending on 23 May, there were 623 dengue cases recorded, bringing the total to 8,239 cases in 2020. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), this was the third consecutive week that Singapore had recorded more than 500 dengue cases as we are entering the warmer months of May to September.
The NEA warned that there will usually be a higher transmission of dengue in Singapore during this period, suggesting citizens to be extra cautious of the surroundings and possible mosquito breeding sites.
As of 26 May, there were a total of 146 active dengue clusters. The agency stated that there are intensive vector control going on at various areas.
However, Workers’ Party’s Member of Parliament (MP) for Hougang SMC Png Eng Huat shared a disheartening finding on his Facebook post earlier this morning (29 May), showing that receptacles had been planted in trees to breed mosquitoes on purpose.
Seeing how mosquitoes were found inside these containers, Mr Png expressed that this particular incident “pained” his heart, adding that it has made the property team’s job increasingly difficult during their run to destroy mosquito breeding sites.
Noting that some of the containers were “well-hidden”, he suggested that someone had planted the containers on purpose.
“Mosquitoes were found breeding inside these containers. Some containers were well hidden, making the job of the property team difficult when they go on a “search and destroy” run.”
He also advised them to report to the town council if they spot something suspicious.
“We are asking residents living in the two blocks of flats overlooking the park to help us keep an eye on the activities there, and to report to the town council if they do spot something suspicious. We intend to catch the perpetrator because the health of our residents matters.”
Besides the nation’s battle against the global COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Png reminded Singaporeans that dengue is still prevalent in the nation.
He warned that the number of dengue cases this year may surpass 2019’s figure – as stated by the NEA – implying the urgency to work together to reduce the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.
According to the NEA’s website, there are still large dengue clusters located at Woodleigh Close, Tampines Avenue 7, Westwood Avenue, Elizabeth Drive, Aljunied Road, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Chun Tin Road, Jalan Jurong Kechil, and Potong Pasir Avenue 1.
