By Abigail Chua

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With 102 cases of dengue outbreak in Woodlands since April 2019, residents join hands to combat the rising problem. 

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Three deaths as a result of dengue has been reported at the start of 2019. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), Woodlands has been recorded as a red zone for dengue.

 

“NEA has conducted multiple rounds of inspections in Woodlands cluster,” said Ms Helen Chia, Director for the Environment Public Health Operations. “NEA will continue to work with Dengue Prevention Volunteers (DPV) and members of the community to conduct house visits to increase awareness.”

 

Both NEA and Sembawang Town Council (STC) have not released a statement on the cause of dengue outbreaks.

 

Ms Shirley Low, 47, hopes that STC and relevant parties can check on construction sites happening around Woodlands. “After they build already then got all these problem what. Beforehand there’s nothing.” Ms Low also wishes there could be an answer to the outbreaks happening in Woodlands.

 

In addition, members of the community acknowledge STC and NEA’s effort to raise awareness on the issue. However, members also wish to see an increase in the frequency of house visits after office hours, when there are more people at home. But the community knows STC has done enough.

 

“The neighbourhood matters,” said Mr Edward Lim, 33. Mr Lim also said that STC has done their best to raise awareness but the execution is dependant on the individuals.

 

“Community-led efforts to remove stagnant water from homes play a key role in protecting our neighbourhoods,” said Ms Chia. “NEA encourages all residents and stakeholders to play their part to help stem dengue transmission.”

 

Both NEA and STC has done misting and chemical treatments to deprive mosquitos of breeding habitats. Dengue cluster alert banners and posters are hung around the estate to further raise awareness.

 

The residents in Woodlands are clear on the urgency of dengue. “For us, we will try to make sure there’s no stagnant water. We don’t plant anything,” said Mr Lim. Especially with kids, he is doing everything he can to reduce mosquito breeding sites. The residents themselves are actively their part to reduce possible breeding sites. “We do check for stagnant water especially during red zone area,” said Mr Roy Lee Guo Rong, 30.