Dengue cases this year have exceeded figures detected in 2012

There have been 4,756 dengue cases so far this year, higher than the 4,632 cases in all of last year, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) on Saturday.

Last week alone, there were 492 cases, as the number of infections continue to rise to record levels, as the warmer months of May to August - the typical peak season for dengue - approach.

The agency's 850 officers have been conducting daily checks in homes and are even trying to accommodate residents' busy schedules by arranging inspections on public holidays.

More than 460 grassroots leaders, volunteers and ambassadors from the Health Promotion Board attended a training session on Saturday to learn how to identify Aedes mosquitoes and to prevent dengue from spreading.

Organised by the NEA, the session was part of the agency's efforts to curb the rise in infections here.

Director-general of public health Derek Ho said community efforts were key to breaking the dengue transmission cycle. For example, residents should change the water in their vases and bowls and remove water from flower pot plates on alternate days.

NEA will be conducting more training sessions in the next few weeks.

Members of the public can call 1800-2255-632 (1800-CALL-NEA) for more details.

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