Did you know that Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease, occurring majorly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world?
More specifically, this fever is caused by a breed called Aedes mosquitoes and is characterized by a high temperature and flu-like symptoms. However, it doesn’t limit itself only to mild-to-high fever. In fact, it causes a severe type of Dengue fever called Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever that can result in significant bleeding, a decrease in blood pressure (shock), and even death.
There are millions of Dengue cases that are reported every year across the globe. The most suffered areas include Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific Islands, Latin America, and Africa and, in fact, spreading in all other parts of the world. Keeping in mind the increasing cases, Dengue prevention has become a necessity for various countries like Singapore. In fact, the government is also running special programs intending to reduce the risk of infection through preventive measures. Moreover, they are also educating the masses to avoid mosquito bites and clean their surroundings to cut off their breeding grounds.
Read More >> How Can You Protect Your Family From Dengue In Singapore?
Signs and Symptoms of Dengue
The symptoms of Dengue start with a fever that is quite similar to the flu. It usually begins 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The common signs and symptoms of this infection are:
- High Fever (104˚ F or 40˚C),
- Headache,
- Pain in joints and behind the eyes,
- Nausea and Vomiting,
- Swollen glands,
- Rashes, and many more.
In a case of mild infection caused by an Aedes mosquito bite infected with the Dengue virus, the patient usually recovers in a week or so. However, in some severe cases, symptoms prove to be worse. It usually happens when the blood vessels of a patients’ body get damaged and leaky, resulting in a rapid decrease in the number of platelets (coagulation cells). In fact, the warning signs of this severe Dengue start reflecting right from the first day, once the fever leaves. These include symptoms like:
- Severe stomach pain and vomiting,
- Bleeding from your gums or nose, and even under the skin,
- Blood in your urine, stools, or vomit,
- Difficult or rapid breathing,
- Fatigue and restlessness, and alike.
Ways to Prevent Dengue from Spreading:
National Environment Agency (NEA) shared that all residents, especially those living in dengue cluster areas, should do the following three protective actions:
1. Spray insecticide in dark corners around the house
2. Apply insect repellent regularly
3. Wear long sleeve tops and long pants
Apply Repellant:
Repelling remedies is the first step to avoid the mosquitoes from coming to us. You can also leverage remedies like citronella and lemongrass in any form of scent as a repellent to keep the mosquitoes away from invading your households. You can also try sticking to the mosquito repellants on your body, by the bed and the corners of your room to eliminate the risks of attracting Aedes mosquitoes. Alternatively, people prefer using insect repellant sprays on their exposed skins to prevent mosquito bites, especially while working outdoors.
Use Window Screens & Mosquito Netting:
If you live in or around a Dengue cluster in Singapore, you must surely add window screens or mosquito netting to your doors and windows as the next move to prevent Dengue. These screens and nets block the entry of unwanted guests (mosquitoes) into the places where you live and sleep peacefully. Moreover, it is crucial to practice certain habits like:
- Close the doors and windows
- Seal the structural defects such as openings, cracks, crevices, and holes,
- Add nets and screens on windows and door panels,
Avoid dark and bright colors for clothes:
Mosquitoes tend to spot dark-colored items more easily than lighter shades. Therefore, whenever you wear dark colors, you are more exposed to mosquito bites.
Confused and wondering why is it so? We all know that dark colors, especially black ones, generate more heat than any other color. In fact, such heat multiplies when one is more active, causing the occurrence of perspiration. This perspiration draws the mosquito's attention and attracts them to us.
Protect your baby or child:
- Cover your child's arms and legs with clothing.
- Mosquito netting should be used to cover the crib, stroller, and infant carrier.
Read More >> The Ultimate Guide to Mosquito Control In Singapore
Conclusion
The remedies stated above are exclusion methods and can’t be declared full-proof for complete elimination and Dengue prevention in Singapore. Though you can reduce the risk by being attentive and more responsible, it is best to seek help from a professional to have a safe and secure household and surroundings in the long run. Seeking a professional pest control company like ORIGIN is still a top priority in the fight against Dengue. Here the experts have the right knowledge and experience to help you deal with the mosquito problem.
