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SINGAPORE: The National Environment Agency (NEA) warns that the coming hot weather may bring about an outbreak of dengue.
Recently, 60 percent of the people who have caught the virus have been infected with type two dengue (Den 2) - a strain that Singaporeans have a lower immunity to.
Tai Ji Choong, Head, Operations, Environmental Health Department, National Environment Agency (NEA), said: "In the early part of this year, we are seeing more people infected with the Den 2 virus. So there could possibly be a shift in dengue sereotype.
"Whenever there is a change in dengue sereotype, there will usually be an increase in dengue cases. We urge the public to be even more vigilant this year."
The NEA explained that the severity of an outbreak would depend on several factors.
These include rising temperatures which is what Singapore is experiencing now.
More mosquito larvae will develop faster in hot weather so the dengue virus will also multiply at a higher rate.
Other factors that determine the nature of an outbreak are how virulent the virus is and the immunity of the population.
NEA will be carrying out its annual anti-dengue efforts over the next few months, against the backdrop of the rise in Den 2.
From next week, commons areas like perimeter drains, voids decks and roof tops in thousands of HDB blocks and private homes will be checked for mosquito breeding.
The effort stretches to 44 areas around Singapore that are likely to report dengue outbreaks.
Together with past efforts and ad-campaigns, NEA said such exercises have seen some measure of success.
According to its survey of 1,200 people conducted last year, nine out of ten carried out a quarter of the recommended actions.
And 80 percent of the respondents associated mosquitoes and mosquito breeding with stagnant water.
But only half of respondents took all the five steps that NEA advised to guard against dengue.
Dr Pang Fung Yin, Head, 3P Partnerships, National Environment Agency, said: "We did ask the respondents why they were not translating knowledge into action. They said it was difficult because following the steps would take a lot of effort. We need to highlight to them that it is all worthwhile."
And that message could not have come sooner because this year's hot season is expected to peak from June to August with average temperatures hitting around 28 degrees Celsius.
- CNA/so
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