The number of homes found breeding with the deadly Aedes mosquito is on the rise. In February, 140 homes were found breeding. This increased to 258 in March and again to 454 in April. The figures represent a three-fold increase in two months, a worrying trend that needs to be curbed immediately. Another worrying trend is the increase in the number of larvae observed. In February, NEA officers found over 4,600 larvae. This increased to 10,500 in March and again to 15,200 in April. This is more than three-fold increase in two months similar to the number of breedings found. Coupled with the increased mosquito population and a longer infective period for each female mosquito owing to the impact of warmer temperature, this increase in breedings can only point to one outcome if not arrested: more dengue cases.

Places where NEA found mosquito breedings are the usual habitats like pails, flowerpot plates, vases etc. In fact ornamental containers, domestic containers and flowerpot plates made up 60.4% of all breedings found in homes, a situation similar to 2006 and 2005.

Therefore, the public need to take immediate action to clear stagnant water from habitats in their homes and to perform the daily 10-minute Mozzie Wipeout to ensure water is not stagnating in pails, vases, containers etc. Bamboo pole holders should be covered when not in use. Those living in landed properties need to pay careful attention to ensure roof gutters are not choked, and to remove receptacles that can contain water in their garden.

Only with the collective effort of the Community can Singapore keep dengue at bay.