[:en]Dengue season is back!
According to NEA, the number of dengue cases registered in 2019 so far has already exceeded the total number of cases for the whole of 2018.
Symptoms of Dengue
The manifestation of dengue is varied, ranging from a simple viral fever to dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.
The latter two (hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome) is dangerous and life-threatening. Early diagnosis of dengue with appropriate treatment usually leads to a better outcome.
Unfortunately, dengue fever can present in the same way as many other viral infections such as:
- fever
- rash
- nausea
- vomiting
- aches and pains
- bleeding gums
- blood in the urine
More specific signs such as bleeding gums and blood in the urine often do not occur. Hence, a high index of suspicion is needed.
Tests for Dengue
Fortunately, there are tests nowadays that can detect dengue infection even in the first few days of fever.
Day 1-5 of fever
Dengue NS1 and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be done.
After day 5 of fever
Dengue IgM and IgG can be done. If needed, your doctor would be able to advise you on the appropriate test to be done.
Prevention is better than cure
The old saying that prevention is better than cure is very true when it comes to dengue fever.
Since dengue fever is spread by the Aedes mosquito, measures to prevent the breeding of mosquito is all that is needed to prevent spread.
Changing the water in flower vases
Simple steps such as changing the water in flower vases on alternate days, turning over water storage containers when not in use etc, goes a long way to prevent mosquito breeding.
Mosquito repellents
Personal protection against mosquito bites such as the use of repellents further reduces the risk of dengue.
Please refer to the following website for more information https://www.nea.gov.sg/dengue-zika/prevent-aedes-mosquito-breeding. We all have a part to play in dengue prevention, do the mozzie wipeout today![:cn]Dengue season is back!
According to NEA, the number of dengue cases registered in 2019 so far has already exceeded the total number of cases for the whole of 2018.
Symptoms of Dengue
The manifestation of dengue is varied, ranging from a simple viral fever to dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.
The latter two (hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome) is dangerous and life-threatening. Early diagnosis of dengue with appropriate treatment usually leads to a better outcome.
Unfortunately, dengue fever can present in the same way as many other viral infections such as:
- fever
- rash
- nausea
- vomiting
- aches and pains
- bleeding gums
- blood in the urine
More specific signs such as bleeding gums and blood in the urine often do not occur. Hence, a high index of suspicion is needed.
Tests for Dengue
Fortunately, there are tests nowadays that can detect dengue infection even in the first few days of fever.
Day 1-5 of fever
Dengue NS1 and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be done.
After day 5 of fever
Dengue IgM and IgG can be done. If needed, your doctor would be able to advise you on the appropriate test to be done.
Prevention is better than cure
The old saying that prevention is better than cure is very true when it comes to dengue fever.
Since dengue fever is spread by the Aedes mosquito, measures to prevent the breeding of mosquito is all that is needed to prevent spread.
Changing the water in flower vases
Simple steps such as changing the water in flower vases on alternate days, turning over water storage containers when not in use etc, goes a long way to prevent mosquito breeding.
Mosquito repellents
Personal protection against mosquito bites such as the use of repellents further reduces the risk of dengue.
Please refer to the following website for more information https://www.nea.gov.sg/dengue-zika/prevent-aedes-mosquito-breeding. We all have a part to play in dengue prevention, do the mozzie wipeout today![:]
