SINGAPORE - Stepping up the fight against mosquitoes, residents from Nee Soon South on Sunday morning (Sept 11) checked for potential mosquito breeding spots and picked litter in their neighbourhood.

They were also informed about the Zika virus, its symptoms and precautions they can take.

The moves to quell mosquito breeding grounds were aimed at combating Zika and dengue, which can be spread by the Aedes mosquito.

Nee Soon GRC MP Lee Bee Wah, who joined the residents in checking for potential breeding areas, said: "Litter can collect water or clog drains.

"No matter how hard the authorities work to check for breeding grounds, Aedes mosquito larvae can hatch within two days. So our best defence is to keep public areas free of litter."

At the event, Nee Soon South also beefed up outreach efforts to disseminate the Mozzie Wipeout message to all households in the neighbourhood.

"We will distribute flyers and put up banners to remind people to check inside their homes," Ms Lee said. "We want to encourage residents to protect themselves with insect repellents and patches against mosquitoes."