Dengue cases up after 3-year decline

The number of cases in the first 11 months of this year hit 5,016, compared to 4,497 for the whole of last year, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA). The number of cases had been dropping from 8,826 in 2007 to 7,031 in 2008 and to below 5,000 last year. NEA said breeding sites were found everywhere - from residences to non-residential areas to construction sites.

After reading the article, i felt that everyone has to be responsible and play a part to prevent the spread of dengue fever. Unfortunately, there are no vaccines to prevent or treat dengue. What we can only do is to avoid from mosquito bites and put repellents on our skin. Also, we should always avoid populated place and watery area.

Ng Say Kiat, Singapore Pest Management Association, said: "NEA has stepped up spot checks at the construction sites and the intensity is definitely enough. With this increase in frequency of inspections, the mosquito breeding likelihood is much, much lower,"

Furthermore, on our part, we should eliminate mosquito breeding area by cleaning our surrounding regularly. We should remove containers that can collect rain water and regularly change water in the flower pot and aquariums. Lastly, always eliminate stagnant water and use insecticide to get rid of mosquitoes. 

In conclusion, i felt that it is always better to be safe than worry. Prevention is better than cure and we should all work together to prevent the spread of dengue fever!

Source: CNA, 13 December 2010
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1098965/1/.html 

HK police hunt for serial dog killer

BOWEN Road in Hong Kong is becoming a road of death for dogs.

In the past week, two dogs have died in an excruciating manner after eating poisoned food left on the road.

After consuming the food, the dogs would first develop diarrhoea. They would then begin foaming at the mouth. By the time they were taken to a vet, their vital organs would have failed and they would die soon after.

After reading the article, i felt that the killer is really heartless and inhuman. Dogs are human's best friend and they have emotions and feelings too. We should always shower them with love and care, instead of torturing and killing them.

In my point of view, I felt that several measures should be taken. Firstly, pet owners should keep an eye on their pets and not let them wander around outside all by themselves. Next, there should be more police officer patrolling around the area and keep a look out for any suspicious person. 

Lastly, I hope that after the killer is being caught, he or she should be severely punished to serve as a warning to others. I truly do not wish to see any cases of animal torture or abuse again in future.

Source: Asiaone, 6 Dec

http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Crime/Story/A1Story20101206-250989.html