Contributed by EUNICE LI DAN YUE –
Preventive Steps To Be Taken During To Current Dengue Epidemic
Fatality From Dengue Fever Slowing Catching Up With That Of Last Year
The fatality from dengue fever in our country this year is slowing catching up with that of last year (“Man, 69, dies- fifth dengue fatality this year”; Straits Times, Nov 28).
Last year, during our country’s worst dengue epidemic, seven people died.
Thus, it is time that we take preventive actions to prevent the situation from getting out of hand.
How the public could protect themselves?
During this period, it would be helpful if members of the public, especially children and senior citizens, who are likely to have low resistance to the current strain of the dengue fever, could wear long-sleeved shirts or blouses, preferably in lighter colours, and long pants, to avoid being bitten when they go outdoors.
It would also be helpful for them to carry along and use mosquito repellent containing Deet, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Setting up of a hotline by the Health Promotion Board
The Health Promotion Board could consider setting up a hotline, manned by nurses, for public inquiries, to cater to suspected dengue fever cases.
The hotline could also help those who have recovered from dengue fever, which may make them more susceptible to contracting the disease a second time.
Warning alerts in televisions during advertisement timings
During our current epidemic, during the commercial times of the television programme, instead of advertisements, there could be constant reminders on the active clusters of the day, so that the community can take immediate precautionary measures, to have the disease controlled immediately, instead of waiting until the next morning.
Doctors should educate the public on dengue fever symptoms
As dengue fever symptoms are similar to that of a cold or flu, doctors should educate the public on the symptoms to watch out for.
Besides fever, headache, muscle and joint aches to watch out for, another symptom is that of low platelets count.
One of our family relatives had just recovered from dengue fever about a month ago, he did not even know that he was bitten by the female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes; he only began to worry when his high fever would not subside even though a week has passed. He eventually went to the Singapore General Hospital when his symptoms got worse, and the attending A & E doctor drew his blood and discovered that his platelets count had dropped to a significantly low and dangerous level, he was warded for 2 nights with IV drip to make sure that his platelets were back to the normal level. After he was discharged, he continued to feel weak for about a week or so. During our recent family gathering, he told us that he had lost a total of 7kg from the dengue fever.
Seeing that dengue fever is a silent killer, residents must do their part too.
How could residents play their part?
As blocked drains and roof gutters are the ideal breeding group for the female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, residents can also help by doing their part.
For example: if they are living in landed property, before they go on vacation, they should make sure that there is no stagnant water in their flower pots, plant bowls; they should also cover their toilet bowls and keep all items under shelter.
If they are living in HDB flats, they could ask their neighbour to keep an eye for them and help do the above, during the period of their absence.
Do not allow the situation to get worse
We must not allow more fatality cases to happen before the end of the year, as it would stretch the public hospitals and affect their ability to deal with other critical medical cases.
By Eunice Li Dan Yue
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