Do you know that 60% of the 2,900 mosquito breeding habitats detected in the first quarter of 2019 is in residential areas?
Out of the 3,918 dengue cases recorded in 2019, there were four deaths reported. This only shows that dengue or any other mosquito-borne diseases shouldn’t be underestimated.
How is dengue transmitted?
Dengue is caused by a virus, it is a disease worldwide that affects subtropical and tropical countries like Singapore. The WHO explains that dengue causes severe flu-like illness to humans. The full life cycle of dengue fever virus involves the role of female Aedes Aegypti mosquito as a transmitter (or vector) and humans as the main victim and source of infection.
The viruses are passed on to humans through the bites of an infective female Aedes mosquito, which mainly acquires the virus while feeding on the blood of an infected person.
Who is at risk for dengue?
Dengue affects infants, children and adults alike and could be fatal. The clinical features of dengue fever vary according to the age of the patient.
The younger or the older the person is, the more at risk he/she is.
What are the symptoms to watch out for?
If for example you have been bitten by an infected mosquito on 1 June, it takes 4-10 days incubation period before the first symptom happens. So you will see the symptoms as early as 4 June or as late as 11 June.
Symptoms usually last for 2-7 days which include:
- Sudden onset of fever for two to seven days
- Severe headache with pain behind the eye
- Joint and muscle pain
- Skin rash
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Easy bruising in the skin
If you experienced signs of Dengue on 11 June, you will experience the symptoms for the next 2 days or as long as 1 week which is 18 June.
When to consult a doctor?
If you are unwell and showing symptoms suggestive of dengue, you are advised to seek medical attention early.
What is the treatment for Dengue Fever?
The MOH says; “There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, or its more serious forms, dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.” This means that treatment is supportive according to the symptoms experienced by the person.
How about for severe cases? You may be hospitalised for immediate and aggressive emergency treatment, including fluid and electrolyte replacement, and/or blood transfusions for bleeding or hemorrhagic form.
Where are the active dengue clusters?
As of 27 May 2019, there were 72 active dengue clusters, with the largest clusters located at:
Woodlands area
Chai Chee area
Geylang area
Bedok area
The NEA advised; “As Singapore is in the traditional dengue peak season, a collective national effort is critical to keep the dengue situation under control. Community action is urgently needed to bring down the Aedes mosquito population.”
How to prevent Dengue Fever?
Getting rid of mosquito breeding sites and spraying of insecticides to control the adult mosquito population remain key to dengue prevention.
Join in the collective effort to help stop the dengue transmission cycle by doing the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout as follows:
- Turn the pail
- Tip the vase
- Flip the flowerpot plate
- Loosen the hardened soil
- Clear the roof gutter and place Bti insecticide inside
The known quote, “Prevention is better than cure” is no doubt the best way to maintain your family’s health and keep your home dengue-free.
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Sources: Channel News Asia, NEA, MOH, WHO
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