Recently, the bus stop near my neighbourhood was decorated with a new banner. Not just any banner – it’s one I dread seeing. Ever since the Dengue Community Alert System was launched, I have never seen this banner hang anywhere near my neighbourhood. And there it was – hanging with a bright yellow spot printed on it.
Dengue cases have reached a new peak – 666 cases in a week. I don’t really believe in numbers and the symbolism behind them, but wow, coincidence much? The last time we had so many cases in a week was in January 2016, with a peak of 637.
The total number of dengue cases in 2019 so far is more than twice of the entire 2018, and 2017 as well. And we’re only 7 months into 2019!
What Is Dengue and Why the Huge Fuss?
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes flu-like illnesses, and if severe, can cause death. So far this year, there have been 5 death cases in Singapore caused by dengue.
After so many years of dengue haunting us Singaporeans (remember the 2013 Dengue Outbreak?), I’m confident that we all know the consequences of dengue. It just isn’t the kind of MC we want to get.
Myths and Questions About Dengue, Answered
You Can Get Dengue Again
No, it’s not like chickenpox. Having it once does not make you immune to it.
Most online sites tell you that there are 4 strains of dengue, but there are in fact 5 different serotypes of dengue. In 2007, traces of DENV-5 virus was found in a 37-year old farmer in Sarawak, Malaysia.
While DENV-5 is spread generally among animals and mosquitoes, the chances of a new type of dengue infecting human is low. Good news is the disease caused by DENV-5 was mild.
However, what we should take away from this, is the fact that viruses are able to evolve, change and adapt to new environments. The possible emergence of a new type of dengue should be a warning for us to start taking preventive measures seriously.
Among the remaining 4 dengue strains, the dominant serotype does change from time to time. So even if we gain “immunity” from a certain serotype, our bodies are not prepared for a different serotype infection.
If you think about it, once the virus continues evolving, there’s just no end to it. *cue dramatic music*
Dengue Is Not Contagious, Somewhat
Dengue cannot spread from human to human. It’s a mosquito-borne disease after all, which means it requires the aid of a mosquito to spread. The female mosquito requires blood to lay eggs, which is why they actively seek blood sources. If it bites an infected host (humans) who has dengue, the mosquito is now a carrier of dengue and can continue to spread it – once it bites another human.
Not a ‘Kampung’ Disease
The two main vectors of Dengue are the Aedes aegypti and the Aedes albopictus. These two mosquito species combined can spread a buffet of diseases such as Zika, Chikungunya and Yellow Virus.
Throw away any prejudice that diseases can only be found in dirty, germ-infested places. The thing about the Aedes aegypti is that it is prevalent in urban areas. The Aedes albopictus, on the other hand, is prevalent in areas full of greenery and forests. If you ask me, it sounds like they basically have the whole of Singapore covered.
Another scary thing – they can breed in artificial containers. Places like your flowerpots, vases, random corners hidden from sight. All they need is stagnant water, as small as a 20-cent coin. If I was a mosquito, I’d feel like I would have no problem finding that.
Look around, they may be all around you. *cue dramatic music again*
Mosquitoes are Attracted to People with O Blood Type
Technically, yes. A study done has shown that people with O Blood Types attract more mosquito landings compared to A and B Blood Types.
But there are more factors involved when a mosquito chooses its “prey”.
To name a few: Heat, CO2 and Scent.
Did you know that our sweat is made up of many different components – one of which is lactic acid. A study has shown that the Aedes aegypti is able to detect the lactic acid in our sweat, which is why you should clean yourself up after a vigorous exercise before heading out of the gym. Better safe than sorry.
After reading all this, if you’re someone who emits heat, releases carbon dioxide, perspires, lives in Singapore – Congratulations, you have a possibility of getting dengue.
I am not writing this to mock you but to highlight the severity of dengue. People have died from this and yet, Singaporeans are not understanding the severity of Dengue.
In the spirit of our Nation’s 54th birthday, we need to bring back the Kampung Spirit and help one another during dengue outbreaks.
Where Do I Go from Here?
Download the NEA myENV App
This allows you to see the different dengue clusters all around Singapore. If you live in a neighbourhood that has no dengue cases, good for you. But please, do not stop there. If you recognize any dengue clusters appearing in areas that your family or friends live in, make a kind gesture and inform them.
The app also offers a function where you can also add locations for any dengue alerts.
I know the NEA Dengue Facebook page regularly posts updates on dengue cluster areas – tag them in the comments and let them know, its social media for a good cause.
Do the #MozzieWipeout
The main purpose of this movement is to get rid of stagnant water. Flip your flowerpot plates, change the water in your vases regularly.
Make sure to flip your pails, they are good spots for accumulation of stagnant water.
If you have plants, check if there’s hardened soil and loosen the soil if needed.
For roof gutters, make sure you clean them and place Bti insecticide.
Don’t just stop there – if you see that your neighbours have exposed flowerpot plates, or even tiny areas with stagnant water, kindly inform them or simply remove the stagnant water body for them. I’m sure they won’t mind 😊
This is so important because the eggs of the Aedes mosquito can lie dormant in dry conditions for up to nine months and hatch again if they’re exposed to favourable conditions again. Clean your vase properly!
Equip Yourself
Wearing long sleeves and long pants to cover your entire body is definitely not a solution in tropical Singapore. Not to mention the sweat and the heat emitting off you is basically a recipe for mosquito bites.
Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, as its one of the most effective ingredients in preventing mosquito bites. Other effective ingredients you should look out for when buying an insect repellent – Picaridin or IR3535.
If you feel unsafe using these chemicals, you can try the natural alternative that contain plant-based extracts instead.
- Learn to Recognize the Symptoms of Dengue Fever
According to MOH, the symptoms of dengue fever are:
- Sudden Onset of Fever for 2-7 days
- Joint and Muscle Pain
- Severe headache with pain behind the eyes
- Skin Rashes
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Mild bleeding – nose or gum bleed
Dengue-related information is readily available on the internet, so if you’re unsure of what to do, a quick search should help.
If there’s only one thing you should take away from this article – it’s this infographic below.
Update: As of 30th July 2019: The number of dengue-related deaths has increased to 9.
