Source: Government of Singapore
16 May 2026 – The National Environment Agency (NEA) launched the National Dengue Prevention Campaign 2026 today, as Singapore enters the traditional peak dengue season of May to October. At the launch event at Tampines Regional Library, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Janil Puthucheary, urged members of the public to stay vigilant and eradicate mosquito breeding sources to minimise the risk of dengue transmission in the community.
Dengue Outlook in 2026: Dengue risks persist; Vigilance needed to prevent dengue surge
2. Over 600 dengue cases were reported as of 15 May 2026, a decrease of 66 per cent as compared to the same period last year. This is significantly lower than the same period in 2024 and 2025. Over 4,000 dengue cases were reported in 2025, a decrease of 70 per cent compared with 2024’s 13,651 cases. This represents the lowest annual total since 2018. Since 2023, the mid-year surge in dengue cases was largely subdued [1] due to strong and sustained community vigilance against breeding and mosquito suppression efforts under Project Wolbachia.
3. As dengue is endemic in Singapore, several risk factors remain. Singapore’s role as an international transport hub, low population immunity and the circulation of all four dengue virus serotypes all heighten transmission risk. Our tropical climate and high population density create ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive year-round, with the traditional peak period with warmer temperatures seeing accelerated mosquito development and virus multiplication. Climate change and shifting weather patterns are expected to exacerbate the situation, globally and locally.
4. As Singapore observes 2026 as the Year of Climate Adaptation [2] , it is critical that residents and stakeholders remain vigilant and alert to the risks of mosquito-borne diseases. Everyone is encouraged to regularly practise the ‘B-L-O-C-K’ steps to suppress the Aedes mosquito population and ‘S-A-W’ actions to prevent mosquito bites and minimise dengue transmission risk.
NEA’s multi-pronged vector control strategy helps reduce dengue transmission risk
5. In 2025, NEA conducted about 565,730 mosquito inspections islandwide and uncovered about 20,469 mosquito breeding habitats. At dengue cluster areas, about 65 per cent of Aedes mosquito breeding detected were in homes, 23 per cent in public areas, 4 per cent at construction sites and 8 per cent in other premises types. During the same period, over 9,800 enforcement actions [3] were taken against owners and occupiers of premises for mosquito breeding. About 810 fines and 37 Stop Work Orders were issued to construction sites, and 73 contractors were charged in court for repeat offences.
6. The community, grassroots organisations, non-governmental organisations, schools and corporates provided strong support in 2025, partnering NEA in holding more than 1,400 outreach activities to raise dengue prevention awareness. Over 880 NEA volunteers were deployed to conduct dengue outreach activities at around 260 locations across Singapore. In 2025, under the Inter-Agency Dengue Task Force (IADTF) members and Town Councils more than 160 staff were trained on dengue prevention and control to help lead dengue control efforts at the premises under their charge.
7. As part of Singapore’s multi-pronged vector control strategy, NEA’s Project Wolbachia specifically targets Singapore’s primary dengue vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, to help suppress Aedes aegypti mosquito populations and minimise dengue transmission risks. The programme is set to cover more than 800,000 households or about 50 per cent of all households in Singapore by end 2026. Studies showed that the risk of contracting dengue was lowered by over 70 per cent at Project Wolbachia sites and 45 per cent at adjacent areas.
Collective action remains critical in our fight against dengue
8. The National Dengue Prevention Campaign 2026 [4] emphasises that dengue prevention is a social responsibility. The campaign mobilises residents and stakeholders to maintain vigilance and minimise dengue transmission risks.
9. Everyone has a critical role to play in dengue prevention and control. NEA urges all residents and stakeholders to make the ‘B-L-O-C-K’ steps a regular habit to remove stagnant water [5] and eradicate potential Aedes mosquito breeding grounds:
- Break up hardened soil
- Lift and empty flowerpot plates
- Overturn pails and wipe their rims
- Change water in vases
- Keep roof gutters clear and place BTI insecticide inside
10. Beyond removing breeding sources, protecting oneself from mosquito bites is equally important, particularly for those living in active dengue cluster areas or who have been diagnosed with or are suspected to have dengue. Carrying out the ‘S-A-W’ actions helps prevent mosquito bites, which is how the disease spreads to more mosquitoes and people.
- Spray insecticide in dark corners around the house
- Apply insect repellent regularly
- Wear long-sleeve tops and long pants
11. Residents and premises owners are encouraged to stay informed by checking the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg) regularly for dengue updates and using the myENV mobile app to set alerts on areas with dengue clusters and high Aedes aegypti mosquito populations.
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[3] Enforcement figures provisional as of 30 April 2026.
[5] The B-L-O-C-K steps remains key to reducing the breeding grounds for other common mosquito species as well.
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