Dengue Fever

Dengue fever and Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever ( a more severe form ) are the most common mosquito-borne viral diseases in the world. Dengue fever now endemic in more than 100 countries in Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, South-east Asia and the Western Pacific. South-east Asia and the Western Pacific are the most seriously affected.

Around 2.5 billion people – two fifths of the world’s population – are now at risk from dengue. WHO currently estimates there may be 50 million dengue infections worldwide every year.

Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with any one of the four dengue viruses. It occurs in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Symptoms appear 3—14 days after the infective bite. Dengue fever is a febrile illness that affects infants, young children and adults.

Dengue Fever Symptoms and Signs

Dengue fever is a viral infection that usually starts suddenly with a high fever. The person experiences:

*High, prolonged fever (usually lasts for 5 to 7 days)
*Rashes
*Severe headache
*Pain behind the eyes
*Muscles and joint pains
*Nausea
*Vomiting
*Loss of appetite
*Fatigue
*Diarrhoea

How can you prevent being infected with the dengue virus?
To prevent dengue fever, you must prevent the breeding of its carrier, the Aedes mosquitoes, identified by their black and white stripes on the body.

The Aedes mosquitoes are commonly found breeding in clear stagnant water in flower vases, flower pot plates, roof gutters, earthen jars for water storage or decorative purposes, watering cans, and bamboo pole holders.

The Aedes mosquito can also breed in unusual places such as water trapped in the hardened soil in potted plates, and the rim of unwanted pails.
The guidelines below will give you an overview of how you can prevent the Aedes mosquito from breeding.

Every other day
*Change water in flower vases.
*Scrub the inside of vase to remove mosquito eggs filling in fresh water.
*Remove water in plant pot plates.
*Scrub the plate thoroughly to remove mosquito eggs.
*Clear fallen leaves and stagnant water in drains and garden. Some leaves can collect water.

Once a month
*Add prescribed amounts of sand granular insecticide into containers, vases, gully traps and roof gutters, even if they are dry.
*Sand granular insecticide can be purchased from plant nurseries and DIY stores. (Caution: Do not add the chemical into drinking water. Keep out of reach of children.)
*Clear away leaves in roof gutters and apron drains. Remove roof gutters wherever feasible.

At all times
*Turn pails and watering cans over and store them under shelter. Place/ store all articles that can collect rain water under shelter at all times.
*Cover bamboo pole holders when they are not in use.
*Cover rarely used gully traps. If possible, replace gully trap covers with non-perforated ones and install anti-mosquito valves.
*Do not block the flow of water in scupper drains along common corridors in HDB estates. Do not place potted plants and other paraphernalia over the drains.
*Do not litter. Paper cups and water bottles thrown indiscriminately into drains, grass verges, roadside, vacant lands and other public places can collect rainwater and breed mosquitoes.

If you are vacating your home or away on long holiday
*Cover the toilet bowls.
*Seal off the overflow pipe of the flushing cistern.
*Cover all gully and floor traps.

Can Dengue fever be treated?
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Rest and drinking lots of water to prevent dehydration will help. For severe headaches and body aches, a painkiller ( such as acetaminophen ) may help to reduce the discomfort. If there are no complications, recovery will occur within 1 to 2 weeks.

We need to always be smart to prevent dengue fever and also other most common diseases as well to make our life easy.