Singapore is not safe from dengue. According to the National Environment Agency, dengue cases have been rising sharply, with the weekly number of cases climbing steadily this year. NEA also reported that the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is detected in the community, has increased by 9% in January 2022, compared to the same period last year.
As with many diseases, there is often a lot of misinformation surrounding dengue. Dr Zheng Shuwei, infectious diseases consultant at SKH, sheds light on why we should not underestimate dengue.
"As a sizable proportion of people is still working from home, this may lead to a surge in dengue cases. The Aedes aegypti mosquito which transmits dengue is found mainly indoors and bites during the daytime," shares Dr Zheng.
It could also be due to an observed increase in a dengue strain which was previously less commonly seen here. "The prevailing immunity against serotype 3 (DENV-3) is low, and could be the cause of the record number of infections back in 2020," explains Dr Zheng. In 2020, Singapore had the largest dengue outbreak in recent history with 34,844 cases reported (as of 17 Dec 2020).
There are four strains of dengue virus known in Singapore, and a person develops immunity only against the strain he or she had recovered from. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from dengue is to be vigilant in taking preventive measures against mosquito breeding, and to arm yourself with the right information. Also visit the NEA website to be notified about areas with higher Aedes aegypti mosquito populations.
TRUTH: Dengue is more severe than flu. In some cases, the virus can lead to more serious dengue haemorrhagic fever. It can be fatal if complications such as failure of the lungs or liver arise.
TRUTH: Anyone can get dengue, and the disease tends to be more severe in the very young and elderly, pregnant women and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
TRUTH: The Aedes aegypti mosquito has adapted to living in urban spaces with humans. Staying at home means being at higher risk of being bitten.
TRUTH: There are four strains of the dengue virus. Contracting one strain results in immunity for that
one type only. You're still at risk for the other three strains.
TRUTH: Dengue fever does not spread directly from person to person but the virus can be spread to
humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. A person suffering from dengue fever can infect mosquitoes too.
TRUTH: The Aedes mosquito is a day-biter. It is most active during dawn and dusk.
TRUTH: Mosquitoes can breed in all stagnant waters. In fact, the Aedes mosquito prefers to breed in clean, stagnant water.
TRUTH: There are many causes of low platelet count, although dengue fever can be a common cause.
Catch up on other stories!
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the updates to your email inbox...
