Dengue is a mosquito-born viral infection that is predominantly in tropical and subtropical areas. This virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito – a female mosquito that thrives in areas with stagnant water, including ponds, water tanks and old tires.
The rate of spread of the dengue virus in Singapore is a major cause for concern – one that is now closely monitored by local and international authorities. In fact, Singapore now has over 4,000 dengue cases since the start of 2020, which is double the number of cases observed within the same period in 2019. This spike follows a 15-year period of relatively low dengue incidence, and the National Environment Agency expects it to go up even further.
Symptoms of Dengue Infection
Dengue infection can be asymptomatic in some cases – infected persons do not exhibit any symptoms. Infected persons with symptoms usually fall ill within 4 to 7 days of the Aedes mosquito bite. Some of its symptoms include severe headache, sudden high fever, skin rash with reddish spots, and pain in the joint, muscle, bone, and behind the eyes.
Over time, the illness may become more severe, presenting symptoms like vomiting, uncontrolled bleeding, severe abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Complications may also lead to failure of the circulatory system and shock, and this can be fatal.
Preventing Aedes Mosquito Breeding and the Dengue Virus
The Aedes mosquito is a day biting mosquito, which means that it is most active during the day – typically two hours after sunrise and several hours before sunrise. The DENV-2 strain has been the most predominant in Singapore, but in the past four months, the DENV-3 virus serotype has been on the increase. Since Singapore has not had dengue outbreaks from the DENV-3 strain for almost thirty years, the population will expectedly have lower immunity to this strain. Thus, it is important that you take meticulous measures to prevent mosquito bites during the day.
To prevent dengue infection, you must prevent the breeding of the Aedes mosquito. At ORIGIN Exterminators, the goal is to ensure a mosquito-free Singapore. Pest control services have never been more important than it is today– this is why we rely on the expertise of our in-house entomologists, and environmental science professionals to undertake consistent mosquito control efforts in line with the latest scientific research.
ORIGIN’s idea, as always, is to provide the most effective and safest solutions for you, your business, and your loved ones.
