DENGUE FEVER IN SIGLAP (Measures to prevent recurrences)

Mr Abdullah Tarmugi asked the Minister for the Environment whether the causes of the recent spate of dengue fever in Siglap and some other constituencies have been identified; and what measures his Ministry has taken and plans to take to avoid such future occurrences.

Dr Ahmad Mattar: Mr Speaker, Sir, the recent spate of dengue fever in the Eastern part of Singapore was due to an unusually high mosquito population in the area. At the peak of the outbreak, up to 12% of premises inspected in one neighbourhood were found to be breeding the Aedes mosquitoes. And most of the breedings were found in roof gutters, vases, flower pot plates and other domestic containers.

The Aedes mosquito, which is the vector responsible for the transmission of dengue fever, breeds in clean waters under shade. Its breeding habitats are therefore usually indoors or in the gardens of compound houses.

An interesting observation was made in the recent outbreak. Fewer HDB homes were found to be breeding Aedes mosquitoes. The majority of the breedings were found in compound houses and consequently the majority of dengue fever cases occurred amongst residents of compound houses.

It would appear that awareness of the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes amongst HDB estate residents is very high. The high awareness and cooperation amongst HDB residents in keeping their homes free from Aedes breedings is highly commendable.

The Aedes mosquito breeds all year round but more so in certain months, such as April to June and November to December, coinciding with the higher rainfalls during these periods. An all year-round surveillance on mosquito breeding is carried out by health inspectors from my Ministry. Daily checks are made in areas with a track record of frequent breedings and complaints received from other areas are thoroughly investigated into.

All mosquito breedings are destroyed and those found breeding mosquitoes are warned or fined. In addition, the Ministry has given wide publicity over the mass media and carried out public health education on anti mosquito breeding through the use of exhibitions, posters, pamphlets, newspaper advertisements, TV slides and filmlets.

It is imperative, however, that everyone be constantly vigilant against breeding Aedes mosquito in his or her home. Dengue fever epidemics will occur whenever the Aedes mosquito population is allowed to build up. As there is no vaccine against dengue fever, the only means to minimize outbreaks is to prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. This can be achieved if members of the public help by preventing Aedes breeding in their homes. The Ministry of the Environment will continue to educate the public and monitor the Aedes population and the disease situation closely.