Poor plebs without Spotify premium (like me) probably have been bombarded by the National Environmental Agency’s (NEA) dengue advertisement far too many times, to the point where we could confidently sing the lyrics.
Gotta admit though, it’s kind of catchy.
Though unlike the upbeat vibes of the ad, the current dengue mosquito situation is a cause for concern, considering how there was a “historic” outbreak in 2020.
Dengue Situation
According to The Straits Times, NEA has predicted that the number of dengue cases will increase as we move into the warmer months of the year, as the population of the Aedes aegypti mosquito—which carries dengue and other viruses—has risen by 30%.
This is due to the accelerated breeding and maturation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and the shorter incubation period of the dengue virus, the time needed for the mosquito to pick up the virus and pass it on.
Since the beginning of the year, there have been 2,700 reported cases of dengue and 22 active clusters, the agency revealed in a statement.
Though the weekly number of dengue cases are still lower than those in the same period last year, the number is still higher than in 2017 and 2018.
NEA also noted that the population of the Aedes mosquito population still remained high in certain residential areas, particularly:
- Clementi West Street 1
- Hougang Avenue 6, 8 and 10
- Jurong East Street 32
- Mei Chin Road, Mei Ling Street, and Stirling Road.
More Uncommon Dengue Serotypes On The Rise
Most of us are probably unaware that there are different types of dengue, as well as the fact that the more uncommon serotypes (a distinct variation within a species of virus or bacteria) of dengue make up more than half of the reported dengue cases since February.
Dubbed DENV-3 and DENV-4, NEA said that “DENV-3 has not been dominant since about three decades ago, and the incidence of DENV-4 has been consistently low.”
So, what does this mean for us?
Since these virus serotypes are not frequently seen, the population immunity for them is low and thus, more people are susceptible to the transmission of the virus.
The agency also highlighted that DENV-3 has been detected in the dengue cluster at Cashew Terrace/Hazel Park Terrace, while DENV-4 has been detected in clusters at Hougang Central and Pasir Ris Street 21.
Staying Home During Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)
In addition, the strict COVID-19 regulations meant to bring down coronavirus community cases may result in a rise in dengue cases instead.
NEA said that it could mean more “biting opportunities” for the day-biting Aedes mosquito, potentially increasing the risk of dengue transmission.
As reported by CNA, a study conducted last year found almost 50% more dengue infections were reported during Circuit Breaker last year than there should have been based on mathematical modelling.
Most of the excess infections were among adults aged 20 to 64 years old, who would normally have been at their workplaces during the day.
“If left unchecked, the current high Aedes aegypti mosquito population, coupled with the circulation of previously uncommon dengue virus serotypes and a sizeable proportion of people staying in and working from home, would add to the dengue risk this year,” said NEA.
What You Should Do
According to TODAYonline, NEA has reminded all operators and owners of premises to ensure that comprehensive vector control measures and good housekeeping are in place. They also continue to conduct targeted inspections and have stepped up operations at areas of high risk.
Local residents can also play their part by:
- Breaking up hardened soil
- Lifting and emptying flower pot plates
- Overturning pails and wiping their rims
- Changing water in vases
- Keeping roof gutters clear and adding insecticides with bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) usually available from pest control companies
Wow, doesn’t the ad just come in handy! Everybody say thank you to NEA.
To learn more about how you can help prevent the spread of dengue, check out NEA’s Stop Dengue Now Facebook page, here!
Feature Image: Dr David Sing / Shutterstock.com
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