Guide To Dengue Fever In Singapore And Treatment

A person infected by the dengue virus develops severe flu-like symptoms and could be fatal. The clinical features of dengue fever vary according to the age of the patient. One should suspect dengue when a high fever (40°C/ 104°F) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms:

• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Nausea, Vomiting
• Swollen glands
• Muscle and joint pains
• Rash

These symptoms usually last for 2 to 7 days, after an incubation period of 4 to 10 days after the bite from an infected mosquito.

Severe dengue is a potentially deadly complication due to plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, or organ impairment. The warning signs to look out for occur 3 to 7 days after the first symptoms in conjunction with a decrease in temperature (below 38°C/ 100°F) include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Bleeding gums
• Blood in vomit
• Fatigue, restlessness

The next 24 to 48 hours of the critical stage can be lethal and proper medical care is needed.

There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. You must seek medical advice, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Paracetamol can be taken to bring down fever and reduce joint pains. However, aspirin or ibuprofen should not be taken as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

1. Use effective mosquito repellents, wear repellent patches or wristbands.

2. Apply repellents properly in order for maximum effectiveness.
• Repellents should be applied after sunscreen (otherwise your SPF may mask it).
• Don't wear repellent under clothes, but instead use one that can be sprayed over and won’t damage your clothes.
• Avoid spraying on cuts and wounds.
• Always spray your feet and ankles.

3. Spray repellent on your hands before dabbing it onto your little ones’ skin. Don’t rub!
• Avoid eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around ears.
• For infants and tots, don't use repellent with 30% or higher concentration of DEET. Follow re-application instructions on the product carefully.
• Repellent should not be used on infants less than 2 months old (protect them with mosquito net or long-sleeved clothing where possible).

4. Wear long sleeved tops, bottoms and hats.
• Clothing containing permethrin, a synthetic insecticide, is effective and safe for pregnant moms and bubs.
• Wear shoes and socks.
• Mozzies can easily bite through Spandex tights and yoga pants, so avoid those.
• Wear light-colored clothing as mosquitoes are thought to be attracted to darker colors, especially blue.

5. Do the 5-step mozzie wipeout.
• Eliminate all water (even if it’s only 2 tablespoon full) by turning cups, pails, flower pots, bottles upside down.
• Use mosquito coils and sprays for outdoor areas.

6. Get fit indoors.
• Our body naturally emits both carbon dioxide and heat, which attracts mozzies.
• Stay in cool areas and use mozzie screens to keep them at bay.

For more information on the prevention of Aedes mosquito breeding, click HERE.

www.nea.gov.sg/dengue-zika/dengue
www.who.int/denguecontrol/disease/en
www.gov.sg/search-result?q=dengue&opt=gov
www.moh.gov.sg/diseases-updates/dengue
www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/192/topic_dengue_fever_MOH
www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/dengue-fever-childhood-illnesses