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SINGAPORE: The number of dengue cases is expected to be higher this year.
South West CDC Mayor Amy Khor on Sunday said, in the first four months of the year, there is already a 35 per cent increase in the number of dengue cases compared to the same period last year.
Dr Khor added that the number of breeding sites has also increased, 40 per cent higher than last year.
As of 19 April, there were 3212 breeding sites, and about 55 per cent of them were outdoor - mainly discarded receptacles such as plastic pails.
It is, therefore, important to engage every individual to help fight dengue.
In the latest effort, some 200 foreign students and 500 residents were roped in to spread the importance of good public health habits.
The "My Hostel Shines @ South West" programme will see three key measures implemented - a pilot dengue prevention ambassador training for 20 foreign students; block washing by 100 foreign students and 20 residents; and a joint community vigilance programme where foreign students join grassroots leaders in house visits to comb potential mosquito breeding sites.
"There is no shortcut to preventing dengue and minimising the number of cases. The most effective and best way is still source reduction, which is to eradicate any potential dengue breeding sites," said Dr Khor.
"There continue to be a segment of the population who are not vigilant, who are not diligent enough, who continue to litter. In fact, discarded receptacle is one of the top most dengue breeding sites... Therefore we need to continue with our public education and awareness campaign," she added. - CNA/ac
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