Dengue prevention: a practical home checklist

Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which breeds in small amounts of stagnant water — often within homes, not just outdoors. NEA tracks active clusters across Singapore and publishes updated cluster boundaries weekly.

How NEA classifies cluster risk

A cluster is classified as high-alert when it reaches 10 or more cases with fast-accelerating transmission. Smaller clusters are tracked at lower alert levels. Case count alone isn't the whole picture — the rate at which new cases appear matters too, which is part of why a cluster's classification can escalate quickly.

What actually reduces risk at home

1. Remove stagnant water weekly. Check trays under pots, vases, gutters, and any container that can collect rainwater — this is the single most effective home intervention, since it removes breeding sites directly.
2. Use mosquito repellent during peak biting hours. Aedes mosquitoes are most active in early morning and at dusk.
3. Consider window/door screening if you live near or in an active cluster area.
4. Watch for symptoms and act early. Sudden fever, headache, joint/muscle pain, or rash warrant prompt medical attention — early diagnosis matters for management.

Why checking your specific address matters

Dengue risk is highly localized — a cluster can be active on one street and absent a few hundred meters away. National case counts don't tell you whether your home or workplace is inside an active boundary.

Dengue and Zika are transmitted by the same Aedes mosquito — see our Zika vs. dengue guide for how the risks differ.