Given the increase in the number of Zika cases in Singapore, it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that we do not create breeding grounds for mosquitoes in our homes or public areas ("NEA, MOH step up fight as Zika cases rise"; yesterday).

I urge everyone to be alert and carry out the Five-Step Mozzie Wipeout. The 10 minutes we take to do this may seem like a burden, but it will definitely be beneficial in the long run.

I also urge everyone to be vigilant and look out for mosquito breeding grounds in our homes and schools, so that such areas can be eliminated.

This way, citizens will be able to cultivate a sense of civic responsibility and play their own part in keeping their community safe and disease-free.

If we make all this a habit, it will become a way of life for us, hence, ensuring we stay alert and prevent future outbreaks.

We cannot just depend on the National Environment Agency to control this situation. All of us need to do our part as citizens of Singapore.

Melanie Shen Yu Xi, 15, Secondary 4 student