While dengue has been around for quite some time, it certainly hit new heights this year. With a record of more than 4000 people infected with the virus, (this is double the number of cases reported in 2019!!), there’s no doubt that dengue is a threat to Singapore.
Just when we thought 2020 couldn’t get any worse.
Alike to the frequent wearing of masks and social distancing when it comes to Covid-19, there are ways to prevent the spread of dengue. Let us stand together and take precautionary measures to curb and prevent the spread of dengue.
Here is how to prevent yourself from getting dengue, and how you can help to prevent the spread of dengue, protecting yourself and your loved ones.
General Dengue Prevention Tips
Apply Mosquito Repellent
A well-known way to prevent dengue is the usage of mosquito repellents.
Even so, many are still unsure of how mosquito repellents really work. One of the ways mosquitoes find a target is through their sense of smell (along with other factors). Mosquito repellent evaporates and blocks the sense of smell of mosquitoes, making it difficult for the tiny, pesky buggers to find you.
While this method is helpful, it is a fact that mosquito repellents do not stay on our skin for the whole day. This is especially true in Singapore where the hot and humid weather causes us to perspire more often, “washing” away the applied layer of mosquito repellent.
Therefore, a more effective way of preventing dengue would be to regularly apply mosquito repellent. Do make sure that your mosquito repellents contain the ingredient, DEET.
Alternative: Mosquito repellent patches are also a great option for those who dislike liquid spray-form mosquito repellents.
Wear Covered Clothing
Acting alike to a protective barrier, to avoid getting bitten by those bloodthirsty mosquitos, one should wear covered clothing.
This includes long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and covered shoes. In addition, as an added precautionary measure, one should wear light-coloured clothing since mosquitoes are more attracted to darker colours.
But in Singapore, wearing long-sleeved clothing may not be the best option due to our weather.
Familiarize Yourself with NEA’s Dengue Colour-Coded System
Following the proverb of prevention is better than cure, the best way to protect yourself from dengue is to avoid places plagued by it, dengue clusters.
To do so, one must familiarise him/herself with the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) dengue colour-coded alert system. This system utilises three colour codes, red, yellow and green, to signify active dengue clusters and the preventive measures residents can take.
Alert red indicates more than 10 cases in one’s neighbourhood whereas, yellow indicates less than 10 cases, and green indicates no reported cases.
Therefore, to prevent catching the ceaseless dengue, avoid red and yellow coded areas all whilst consistently taking the added precautionary measures, such as applying repellent.
Avoid Scents
Are you aware of the fact that mosquitos are drawn to both delightful scents like floral-scented soaps, perfumes, and moisturizing lotions? Mosquitoes are also attracted to revolting scents like smelly feet, sweat and skin odour on the opposite side of the spectrum,
While you definitely need to shower to remove any traces of sweat smell, try not to use fragranced body washes during the process. Make sure to shower after exercising and don’t simply use floral scented perfumes to mask the smell or you might just end up being a buffet for some mosquitoes.
Home Dengue Prevention Tips
Well-screened Houses
Without structural barriers like window screens or netting, mosquitoes can easily swoop in and take a quick sip without anyone noticing.
A good way to prevent mosquitoes (and other insects) from entering your home is by installing nettings or screens on windows, doors and any other entrances where mosquitos can easily access.
Mosquito Repellent Devices
If installing nettings or screens is not something within your budget, you can try out some mosquito repellent devices.
Devices like the PowerPac Mosquito Power Strike uses UV to attract mosquitoes and eliminates them with its high-voltage grille.
If you’re looking for something smaller, why not try the Baygon Liquid Electric Repeller? Simply plug it into a power outlet and let it do its work.
Mozzie Wipeout
In 2013, NEA developed a 10-minute, 5 step routine to keep homes free of Aedes mosquitos, called the Mozzie Wipeout. Some may deem the Mozzie Wipeout as outdated and irrelevant. However, seeing that we are fighting the exact same threat as before, it is still very relevant and should be executed.
As mentioned, there are in total, 5 steps to the Mozzie Wipeout:
- Loosen hardened soil to prevent a body of water collecting on the surface of the soil.
- Turn over all water storage containers
- Remove water from flowerpot plates on alternate days. Clean and scrub the plate thoroughly to remove any mosquito eggs
- Change water in vases and bowls on alternate days to prevent the Aedes mosquito from laying eggs
- Clear blockages and put BTI insecticide in roof gutters: BTI is a biological control agent that manages mosquito breeding
By conducting this at least once per week, it significantly decreases the probability of breeding the threat in our homes.
Aerosol Insecticide
Lastly, to answer the key question on everyone’s mind on how to prevent dengue, one should spray aerosol insecticide in potential breeding spots. This usually includes hidden and dark areas such as under the bed, sofa, and behind the curtains.
However, not all aerosol insecticides are effective against mosquitos. Only water-based aerosol insecticides that are NEA-registered work well against mosquitos. Therefore, be sure to check if the repellents and insecticides are registered under the NEA before purchasing.
With the Aedes mosquito having the ability to breed in a single 20-cent size puddle of water, every single one of us plays a part when it comes to dengue prevention.
Therefore, let us unite once again as a nation and do our part to break the cycle of dengue transmission.
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