The Dengue level sign in the Tanah Merah neighborhood was raised from “Stay Cautious” to “High Alert”, due to the 11 cases that has just come up no more than 5 days ago. The community is worried for Mr Wo Hung and Ms Angie, two locals both living on Kew Road, who have been transported to hospital yesterday evening with intensive care. It has been confirmed they have fallen ill with cases of severe Dengue. Currently, Ms Angie is badly infected, but Mr Wo Hung is slowly making a recovery and is expected to be discharged from hospital in two weeks. “I’m just so worried for my husband, last year, I heard someone died from Dengue in hospital! I don’t want that for him, and I am praying for a safe recovery.” Mrs Liang Hung, an anxious wife from next door.
This reporter decided to investigate the “High Alert” areas which are located on Kew Road and Kew Heights. From the investigation, the areas with the highest alerts all have a large rain water drain running behind the houses, letting in the mosquitoes into the houses via the back laundry and gardens. The weather also contributed to the dengue outbreak, with showers of rain on Saturday, and cloudy the two days after. Perfect conditions for mosquitoes to lay their eggs in the still, undisturbed water. Another reason why Dengue is spreading through the Tanah Merah community, is that house owners install ponds and fountains in their front gardens for decoration. This reporter checked all the houses on Kew Avenue and Kew Road and counted a whopping 10 fountains and ponds. 7 of them are still water, practically an invitation for dengue carrying mosquitoes.
On Sunday 14th of September, a group of approximately 20 young adults dressed in sky blue shirts came round to all the houses in the Tanah Merah to check the conditions for fighting dengue. Bad conditions were reported in 12 Kew Avenue, 7 Kew Road, 11 Kew Road, and 5 Kew road, all with aspects that may contribute to the spread of Dengue. “We as a community, need to neutralise all the potential breeding areas for Dengue carrying mosquitoes. We all need to be cautious around our environment to make sure we stay healthy and safe. I suggest spraying mosquito repellent in your houses, setting up mosquito nets, and regularly changing flower vases to reduce the amount of stagnant water.” Mr Jeremy Xian, a representative of the National Environment Agency.
This reporter agrees with Mr Jeremy Xian, our community needs to become more aware of the dangers of Dengue, and act accordingly. Only with cohesion and a common goal, can we, as a community, irradiate the spread of Dengue.
By Victoria
This reporter decided to investigate the “High Alert” areas which are located on Kew Road and Kew Heights. From the investigation, the areas with the highest alerts all have a large rain water drain running behind the houses, letting in the mosquitoes into the houses via the back laundry and gardens. The weather also contributed to the dengue outbreak, with showers of rain on Saturday, and cloudy the two days after. Perfect conditions for mosquitoes to lay their eggs in the still, undisturbed water. Another reason why Dengue is spreading through the Tanah Merah community, is that house owners install ponds and fountains in their front gardens for decoration. This reporter checked all the houses on Kew Avenue and Kew Road and counted a whopping 10 fountains and ponds. 7 of them are still water, practically an invitation for dengue carrying mosquitoes.
On Sunday 14th of September, a group of approximately 20 young adults dressed in sky blue shirts came round to all the houses in the Tanah Merah to check the conditions for fighting dengue. Bad conditions were reported in 12 Kew Avenue, 7 Kew Road, 11 Kew Road, and 5 Kew road, all with aspects that may contribute to the spread of Dengue. “We as a community, need to neutralise all the potential breeding areas for Dengue carrying mosquitoes. We all need to be cautious around our environment to make sure we stay healthy and safe. I suggest spraying mosquito repellent in your houses, setting up mosquito nets, and regularly changing flower vases to reduce the amount of stagnant water.” Mr Jeremy Xian, a representative of the National Environment Agency.
This reporter agrees with Mr Jeremy Xian, our community needs to become more aware of the dangers of Dengue, and act accordingly. Only with cohesion and a common goal, can we, as a community, irradiate the spread of Dengue.
By Victoria
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