Protect your family from dengue

More than 6,200 people came down with dengue in the first three months of this year and Government agencies are warning that 2016 could set a new high of 30,000 cases unless more is done to prevent the disease.

The high dengue is mainly due to warmer than usual weather, resulting in faster breeding cycles for the Aedes mosquito which spreads the disease.

The majority of breeding sites are found in homes, with the top breeding spots being domestic containers and flower pot plates or trays.

If you or your family members have had dengue before you can still get it again because the strain of virus seen this season is different from the one seen in the past few years.

So stay safe and protect your family and friends from dengue!

Source: National Environment Agency

Zap dengue, zap zika too!

The Aedes mosquito spreads both the dengue and the zika viruses. Preventing the mosquito from breeding protects our families from dengue and will also prevent the spread of zika if the virus comes to Singapore.

If you have plants or a garden, take these extra steps:

• Keep the water level in terrariums below the soil or pebble bed level.

• Ask a family member to check on your plants if you are going away for more than two days.

• Loosen top soil frequently to prevent water from pooling.

• Put anti mosquito pellets on parts of bromeliad plants that collect water.

• Clear blockages and put insecticide in roof gutters monthly.

• Put fish in pots that contain aqua plants – the fish will eat up mosquito larvae and prevent them from breeding.

• Keep unused gardening tools such as pots and spades out of rain prone areas to prevent stagnant water.

These tips were provided by Ms Rosalind Tan (Chief Gardener) and Mr Simon Chan (Senior Executive, Operation Admin), KTPH.