The National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) are gearing up for what might be the worst year for the ever-present dengue virus outbreak in Singapore.
Authorities believe and have forecast a whopping number of 30,000 dengue cases in 2016 — way higher than the previous high forecast of 22,170 in 2013.
The figures were announced in a media briefing yesterday, where NEA announced that the annual Mozzi Wipeout Campaign will be held earlier this year on Feb 28, TODAY reports. Over 5,000 grassroots leaders and volunteers have been roped in to visit areas riddled with dengue cases to advise residents on dengue prevention tips.
The ongoing El Niño phenomenon is said to be the main contributor behind the rise in cases — the warmer climate quickens the breeding and maturation cycles of the Aedes mosquito.
A 50 percent increase in Aedes mosquitoes were caught in NEA’s traps back in January, as compared to the same period last year. House inspections also saw 50 percent more breeding sites as compare to the same January period in 2015.
Since January alone, over 3,600 dengue cases have been reported so far, with two deaths.
NEA has mentioned that they’ll be implementing more stringent enforcement measures including monthly inspections at major construction sites. Dengue diagnostic services have also been provided at clinics and hospitals in preparation for the surge in cases, while the number laboratory staff have been increased, and will operate at longer hours.
