Number of reported dengue cases declined in the past four weeks by 22 per cent while the number of dengue clusters declined by 15 per cent. However, continued vigilance is needed as Aedes aegypti mosquito population remains high, increasing by 20 per cent from October to November 2019
Singapore, 20 December 2019 – The National Environment Agency (NEA) has made available information on areas with relatively higher Aedes aegypti mosquito population on the myENV app, to ensure that residents living in these areas are armed with the necessary information to take immediate action to reduce the mosquito population. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary vector for the transmission of dengue, and its high population is one of the reasons for the high number of dengue cases experienced this year. Making available information on areas with relatively higher Aedes aegypti mosquito population will serve as a useful indicator for early intervention, to facilitate targeted action by key stakeholders, community partners and residents. NEA will also be distributing leaflets to residents in these areas, to heighten awareness and prompt the community to take action (refer to Annex A for steps on how to enable notifications on the app and Annex B for sample of the leaflet).
Update on dengue situation
2 Between 17 November 2019 and 14 December 2019, through concerted efforts by NEA as well as our Government and community partners, there was a 22 per cent decrease in the number of weekly reported dengue cases, from 330 to 257 cases per week. The number of active dengue clusters has also declined from 79 to 67 over the same period. However, the weekly reported number of dengue cases is still higher when compared to the same period last year, and NEA’s Gravitrap surveillance system has shown a 20 per cent increase in the Aedes aegypti adult mosquito population in November, compared to in October 2019. We have also observed a 20 per cent increase in the detection rate of Aedes aegypti larval habitats found in homes in November, compared to in October 2019.
3 NEA and our partners in the Inter-Agency Dengue Task Force (IADTF) have kept up inspections at dengue cluster areas, and maintained a high tempo of preventive inspections for mosquito breeding as well as dengue cluster operations, in order to curb dengue transmission. Through these efforts, we have closed 96 per cent or 1,427 of the 1,494 dengue clusters notified since the start of 2019 (as of 14 December 2019).
4 Recently, the large dengue clusters at Jurong West Street 61 with 75 cases, Bedok Reservoir Road and Jurong East Street 13 with 54 cases each, Rivervale Crescent with 52 cases, and Chuan Hoe Avenue with 42 cases, have closed and are under surveillance. This was achieved through sustained and concerted efforts by stakeholders and the community. However, there are still other large dengue clusters in areas such as: (i) Choa Chu Kang Avenue 2, (ii) Elias Road, (iii) Jalan Bangau / Bukit Mugliston, and (iv) Begonia Drive / Sunrise Avenue. As of 14 December 2019, there are 67 active dengue clusters reported. In addition, about 60 per cent of the Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding habitats detected across the island have been found in homes, with this figure being even higher at 70 per cent in dengue cluster areas. Residents and stakeholders, whether living in a dengue cluster area or not, must therefore continue to take proactive measures to prevent a further increase in cases.
5 Mr. Chew Ming Fai, NEA’s Director-General Public Health, said, “NEA has been working intensively with our stakeholders to fight dengue this year, and we thank everyone, especially the community, for joining us in the fight. As we continue to observe an increase in the Aedes aegypti adult mosquito population, we must continue to sustain prevention efforts to stem dengue transmission in cluster areas, as well as prevent new clusters from forming. With the majority of mosquito breeding still found in homes, NEA is making available information on areas with relatively higher Aedes aegypti mosquito population on the myENV app, so that residents can be promptly alerted to take immediate action, to eliminate potential mosquito breeding habitats and reduce the mosquito population.”
6 Between January and November 2019, NEA had conducted about 849,000 inspections islandwide, and uncovered about 14,800 mosquito breeding habitats. To safeguard public health, NEA will not hesitate to take enforcement action against anyone found to have created conditions favourable for the propagation or harbouring of vectors. Between January and November 2019, about 7,500 [1] enforcement actions have been taken against premises owners for mosquito breeding. NEA will continue with these inspection and enforcement efforts.
Concerted, proactive and sustained preventive efforts by key stakeholders, community partners and residents
7 NEA has not been alone in the fight against dengue. Fighting dengue requires the concerted effort of the whole community, including residents, contractors, and business owners, who all have a part to play in preventing and stopping dengue transmission. Continued vigilance and action is needed by all to eliminate potential mosquito breeding habitats. In addition, NEA has shared with Town Councils and stakeholders information [2] on areas with relatively higher Aedes aegypti mosquito population, so that stepped-up preventive measures can be taken.
8 As the Aedes aegypti mosquito has adapted well to the urban environment, it is critical to eradicate mosquito breeding habitats and adult mosquitoes. Adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes tend to rest inside homes. All residents living in dengue cluster areas are also strongly encouraged to cooperate with NEA officers, and to facilitate their checks and indoor misting in their homes. Accessing all homes in a dengue cluster area as quickly as possible, with the help of the local Grassroots and residents, helps keep the community safe. Residents living in dengue cluster areas are also strongly encouraged to protect themselves, by applying mosquito repellent regularly and keeping their homes free of stagnant water.
9 We encourage everyone to be an advocate of dengue prevention, and to remind his or her family members and neighbours to join in the collective effort to stop dengue transmission, by regularly doing the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout. The latest updates on the dengue situation can be found on the NEA website, stop Dengue Now Facebook page, and myENV app.
~~ End ~~
For more information, please contact us at 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632) or submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.
[1] Provisional figures as of 10 December 2019
[2] Since August 2019, NEA has shared with Town Councils and other stakeholders information on areas with relatively higher mosquito population [www.nea.gov.sg/dengue-zika/Aedes] to facilitate pre-emptive ground action. For more information, refer to [https://www.nea.gov.sg/media/news/news/index/new-mosquito-indicator-on-areas-with-higher-mosquito-population-supplements-existing-efforts-under-the-national-dengue-control-programme].
ANNEX A
Guide on How to Enable Notifications on myENV App
Note:
- Users must update the myENV app to the latest version in order to set-up the latest notifications. Instructions on how to enable the notifications on the myENV app are appended below.
- Information on areas with relatively higher Aedes aegypti mosquito population will be updated monthly. Notification of these areas with relatively higher Aedes aegypti mosquito population will be sent via myENV app weekly to remind users to do the Mozzie Wipe-out.
- The new notification is available for all iOS users. For Android users, the update will be pushed out progressively over the next few weeks.
ANNEX B
Leaflet for Distribution to High Aedes Mosquito Population Areas
Note: The leaflet will be available in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.