SINGAPORE — While the number of dengue cases fell for the sixth consecutive week to 290 cases last week, the National Environment Agency (NEA) yesterday urged the public not to let their guard down as the weekly number is “still high” with a “three-fold increase” when compared to the 94 reported cases during the same period last year.

The total number of dengue cases for this year currently stands at 13,960, according to latest figures from the Ministry of Health.

In response to TODAY’s queries, the NEA said that, while the steady decline in the weekly number of dengue cases is “encouraging”, “our population herd immunity remains low”.

“We need to remain vigilant and continue with the Mozzie Wipeout (campaign) to keep the mosquito population low, in order to help sustain the current downward trend and prevent a possible reversal,” said an NEA spokesperson.

Launched in April, the national campaign is aimed at encouraging the public to clear stagnant water that can breed mosquitoes in homes.

As such, the NEA along with the Inter-Agency Dengue Task Force and all town councils, are not letting up efforts to rid public areas and housing estates of potential breeding grounds, she added.

The estimated S$85 million set aside this financial year to combat dengue will remain unchanged.

The NEA is also continuing to keep “a close watch on areas where dengue is being actively transmitted”.

As of yesterday, there are 14 dengue clusters classified as high risk with 10 or more cases and 30 clusters with fewer than 10 reported cases.