Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever is one of the most common diseases. To keep our baby and kids safe from this, here's some information I'll like to share with you.

How is Dengue spread?
Dengue fever is spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It cannot be spread from one person to another.


What are the symptons if someone got dengue?

• High, prolonged fever (usually lasts for 5 to 7 days)
• Rashes
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pains
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea

The rash develops on the feet or legs 3 to 4 days after the beginning of the fever. You may also experienced disorders in blood clotting that can result in internal bleeding. DHF is more severe and associated with loss of appetite, vomiting, high fever, headache and abdominal pain. Shock and circulatory failure may occur. Untreated hemorrhagic dengue results in death in up to 50 percent of cases.

How to prevent Dengue?
To prevent dengue fever, you must prevent the breeding of its carrier. A puddle of water about the size and depth of 20-cent coin is sufficient for an Aedes mosquito to breed in.

For for detailed areas that you can take note of as a preventive measures:

Every other day

• Change water in flower vases.
• Remove water in plant pot plates.
• Clear fallen leaves and stagnant water in drains and garden. Some leaves can collect water.

Once a month

• Add prescribed amounts of sand granular insecticide into containers, vases, gully traps and roof gutters, even if they are dry.
• Sand granular insecticide can be purchased from plant nurseries and DIY stores. (Caution: Do not add the chemical into drinking water. Keep out of reach of children.)
• Clear away leaves in roof gutters and apron drains. Remove roof gutters wherever feasible.

At all times

• Turn pails and watering cans over and store them under shelter. Place/ store all articles that can collect rain water under shelter at all times.
• Cover bamboo pole holders when they are not in use.
• Cover rarely used gully traps. If possible, replace gully trap covers with non-perforated ones and install anti-mosquito valves.
• Do not block the flow of water in scupper drains along common corridors in HDB estates. Do not place potted plants and other paraphernalia over the drains.
• Do not litter. Paper cups and water bottles thrown indiscriminately into drains, grass verges, roadside, vacant lands and other public places can collect rainwater and breed mosquitoes.
  

If you are vacating your home or away on long holiday

• Cover the toilet bowls.
• Seal off the overflow pipe of the flushing cistern.
• Cover all gully and floor traps.

Hope these information helps you have a better understand on dengue. A good start on the knowledge, helps in protecting your kids too.