The number of dengue cases is expected to hit the 10,000-mark this weekend. Authorities said the actual count would be updated tomorrow (June 17).
At last count on Friday, there were 42 new cases, bringing the total to 9,960 so far this year.
For the past week, the number of new cases daily has been consistently above 40. Preventive efforts have been taken across the island, including quick temperature scans in schools.
Melissa Yeoh, Modern Montessori International Pre-school’s administrator, said: “The benefit is to help us save on paperwork. The data can be installed in the thumb drive. It’s easy to send to MSF (Ministry of Social and Family Development) or management.”
The pre-school in Bukit Timah is one of over 30 across the island that is using this quick temperature system. Developed to help pre-schools deal with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, it is coming in handy against dengue.
Nurseries in dengue hotspots in the east are also doing their part against the epidemic.
Checking for blocked drains, tipping out standing water, and going through every pot have become a daily routine.
Tan Yeow Seng, manager of SinFlora, said: “Last time, we usually check two to three days per week. Now, every day!”
With growing awareness amongst the public, nurseries said mosquito-repelling plants like lemongrass have literally been flying off the shelves.
But more needs to be done.
Over at Yishun, another dengue hotspot, grassroots leaders are continuing an awareness campaign.
“Several areas have been classified as red areas, so we need to take the situation seriously,” said Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, who is also the MP for Nee Soon GRC.
“Basically we need to push the message. What needs to be done — get people to be aware. The situation in Yishun needs to be very carefully monitored,” he added.
And the effort, Mr Shanmugam said, has to be put in by everyone.
Source: CHANNEL NEWSASIA