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  Channel NewsAsia 6 Mar 07
Number of dengue cases significantly lower in 2006
By Hasnita A Majid

SINGAPORE: The number of dengue cases reported was significantly lower last year. Just slightly more than 3,000 cases were recorded ? a far cry from the 14,209 cases reported in 2005.

The Environment and Water Resources Ministry told Parliament this is due to a rigorous dengue control regime that included intensified checks by the National Environment Agency, which has doubled its vector control officers to 500. Dedicated mosquito control programmes by Town Councils in estates under their charge have also shown encouraging results.

Cases of Aedes mosquitoes breeding in these areas were reduced by 60 percent last year. The number of dengue cases for 2006 in estates maintained by the Town Council was also 83 percent lower than in 2005.

In recognition of the Town Councils' efforts, the Ministry is introducing an incentive scheme to spur them to further reduce mosquito breeding grounds. The Town Councils will enjoy co-funding for mosquito control contracts and this will be offered for two years.

This announcement came after MP Dr Teo Ho Pin, who is also coordinating chairman for PAP Town Councils, pointed out that an earlier co-funding scheme--worth almost S$7 million in 2005--was dropped last year.

In her update on the dengue situation, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Water Resources Dr Amy Khor also spoke on the enforcement action taken. Last year, the National Environment Agency cracked down on 617 construction sites, 2,173 domestic premises and 1,525 non-domestic premises such as factories and shophouses for mosquito breeding offences.

Dr Khor said NEA would continue with its regular audit checks and would take enforcement action against members of the public. Moving forward, the Ministry will continue to implement its dengue control strategies, which include intensified source reduction exercise, enforcement and public education. - CNA/so
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