4 tips to keep dengue at bay

Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases are a reality in tropical Southeast Asia as the climate is ideal for mosquitoes to breed.

Spread by the Aedes mosquito, dengue causes symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, as well as joint and muscle pain, among others.

There isn’t a cure for the disease but doctors will be able to treat the symptoms.

There’s been an upsurge in cases in some parts of Philippines and Malaysia.

The latter has recorded over 52,000 cases this year to date nationwide with Selangor reporting the highest number at almost 30,000.

In Singapore, the last serious outbreak in May claimed three lives in one neighbourhood.

While it’s not likely to be fatal, dengue can lead to serious complications such as dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome so it’s best to keep yourself, your family and your neighbourhood safe with these 4 tips:

1. Clear any stagnant water in your home

This means you should check and change the water in your vases and flower pots every two days and clear any blockages or clogged drains near your home often that could be collecting water.

Also, check around the house often to make sure there are no receptacles where water can collect, for example, storage containers or pails placed outside the house, or even dish drainers in the kitchen.

2. Clean your vases and flower pot plates

Apart from just replacing the water, you should also scrub the inside of the vase and the flower pot plates once a week to remove any Aedes mosquito eggs.

3. Use mosquito repellent

Choose one containing DEET and spray on exposed skin.

It can even go on your clothing.

Be sure to avoid applying near the eyes or mouth or on cuts and wounds.

When applying on children, spray the repellant on your hands and then apply it on the child.

Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases are a reality in tropical Southeast Asia as the climate is ideal for mosquitoes to breed.

Spread by the Aedes mosquito, dengue causes symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, as well as joint and muscle pain, among others.

There isn’t a cure for the disease but doctors will be able to treat the symptoms.

There’s been an upsurge in cases in some parts of Philippines and Malaysia.

The latter has recorded over 52,000 cases this year to date nationwide with Selangor reporting the highest number at almost 30,000.

In Singapore, the last serious outbreak in May claimed three lives in one neighbourhood.

While it’s not likely to be fatal, dengue can lead to serious complications such as dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome so it’s best to keep yourself, your family and your neighbourhood safe with these 4 tips:

4. Use bug spray

Spray insecticide around the home while being particularly cautious around young children or the elderly.

For continuous protection throughout the day, consider using electric mosquito repellent vapourisers.