As cases of dengue fever continue to rise exponentially in Singapore, hitting an alarming number of over 5,000 reported cases in the first quarter of 2024 alone, the urgency in halting the spread of this disease has never been more critical. With the death toll already up to seven this year, surpassing the total number of fatalities in 2023, it’s clear that dengue fever, a disease caused by the dengue virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, should not be taken lightly. But amidst this gloomy outlook, what can individuals and communities do to stave off this viral menace effectively?
Understanding Dengue
First, understanding dengue is key. Known also as breakbone fever, dengue induces symptoms ranging from sudden high fever, severe headaches, to muscle and joint pains. It lurks behind the innocuous bite of an Aedes mosquito that has previously feasted on an infected person. Unlike the common cold, dengue doesn’t spread from person to person. Hence, controlling mosquito populations and preventing mosquito bites are fundamental in dengue prevention.
Practical Steps to Prevent Dengue
To safeguard yourself and your loved ones, consider these practical steps:
- Use Mosquito Repellents: Apply mosquito repellent not just outdoors but indoors as well.
- Dress Wisely: When venturing outside, especially in areas rampant with mosquitoes, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks.
- Secure Your Home: Ensure that your windows and doors have intact screens. Where air-conditioning might not be an option, utilizing fans can also help deter mosquitoes.
- Sleep Under Protection: Use mosquito nets if sleeping areas are exposed.
- Seek Medical Attention Promptly: If dengue symptoms arise, visiting a hospital immediately is crucial.
Besides individual efforts, reducing mosquito breeding spots plays a significant role in prevention. A tiny puddle of standing water can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Regularly check and remove stagnant water from flower pots, buckets, and anywhere else it may accumulate.
Community and Government Initiatives
Apart from personal precautions, community and government efforts are indispensable. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has spearheaded the National Dengue Prevention Campaign, urging collective responsibility. Innovations like the Project Wolbachia, which involves the release of genetically modified mosquitoes to reduce the Aedes mosquito population, also mark significant strides toward dengue prevention.
Travel Advisories and Vaccination
For travelers, staying informed through travel health notices is vital to avoid dengue-prone regions. While a vaccine, Dengvaxia, has been approved for individuals aged 9-16 who have previously been infected with dengue, broader protective measures remain crucial for the general population.
In conclusion, as Singapore braces for the traditional peak dengue season from May to October, understanding dengue, taking preventive measures, and collective action at community and government levels are pivotal in curbing the dengue threat. Let’s not allow this tiny but deadly adversary to claim more health and lives. Prevention, as always, is better than cure.
Deepika 
Mehek