Battling dengue: Important things that you should know

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Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease, and though it is not as widespread or disastrous as malaria, many people die from the effects of dengue fever every year.

People suffering from dengue show flu-like symptoms that might persist for weeks. They may develop rashes and high fever, they may lose their appetite, feel like vomiting, and develop severe head, joint, and muscle pains.

Dengue is most dangerous when it has gotten to the stage of Dengue Fever, and even more dangerous in a form called DHF (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever). The blood vessels of people suffering from DHF start leaking and their blood's ability to clot is compromised, leading to serious bleeding from the mouth, gums and even the nose.

The worst-case scenario associated with dengue is when an infected individual's blood vessels collapse, a case that usually leads to death, and is medically referred to as Dengue Shock Syndrome. 

Government initiatives about dengue in Singapore

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Dengue is not new to Singapore, and the Singaporeans know that in addition to suffering from the painful effects of the disease, the financial burden is also very heavy.

The government has spent a lot of money trying to help people struggling with dengue, and how to control the spread of the disease.

• In addition to helping patients cope with the financial burden, some other government efforts include conducting public awareness campaigns, which include door-to-door visits, to educate the public on the disease, its outbreak and its spread.
• Through the National Environmental Agency, the government is gaining access to homes that may be mosquito breeding grounds and putting up measures to prevent further breeding.
• Singaporeans can subscribe to a website and get message alerts on their phones with information about dengue, the areas most affected, providing early warning measures, and information on the prevention of the disease.
• The government is also working towards ensuring that people, through the National Environment Agency, live and work in environments with a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene, which will prevent the development and spread of the disease. 

How to prevent mosquitoes from breeding

The best way to prevent mosquitoes from breeding is to get rid of their breeding grounds, and some of the ways to do this include:

1. Getting rid of any container, pot, tires, and anything that might hold water stagnant
2. Regularly clean the roof gutters that may be collecting leaves, since these can lead to the clogging of water
3. Turn over or upend equipment and furniture that might collect rainwater, or cover those that may be too heavy or immovable
4. Chlorinate and clean your swimming pool regularly to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs on the stagnant and dirty pool
5. Trim the hedges, get rid of bushes, and keep drains free from debris, since all these are also breeding grounds for mosquitoes

The idea behind mosquito breeding prevention is getting rid of any stagnant water around you.

What to do in case you have Dengue 

There is no specific cure for Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue; the best thing you can do if you discover you have the disease is to seek medical help from a doctor as soon as possible.