Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, is dengue still a concern?

By the team at Speedoc,
 
April 08, 2020

Did you know? The number of people with dengue infections in 2020 has doubled compared to that of the same period in 2019 in Singapore. As of April, we have an average of 350 cases per week in 2020 and a total of 5,092 cases reported so far this year. One hundred dengue clusters remain active. Among these clusters, the worst-hit have been in Jurong West Street 91, Pavilion Circle, Westwood Avenue and Chapel Close.

Changing dengue strain, from DENV-1/DENV-2 to DENV-3.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that affects approximately 390 million in the world annually. It can cause acute flu-like illness and potentially escalate into a severe form of the condition, even leading to fatalities.

As there are four different dengue virus (DENV) serotypes, having an infection once does not confer lifelong immunity, as it is possible to be infected four times, by each serotype strain.

There is a pressing need to remain vigilant as the number of DENV-3 infections has been rising over the past three months. There may be a change in dominant serotype, from DENV-1/DENV-2 to DENV-3, which is often a precursor to an outbreak. Fewer people have been exposed to the less dominant serotype (DENV-3). This results in a lower herd immunity (wide-spread resistance to the spread of contagion within a population.)

To combat the rise in the number of dengue cases in Singapore, specifically the increase in cases due to DENV-3, the annual National Dengue Prevention Campaign was brought forward on March 22nd. The National Environment Agency (NEA) is anticipating an increase in the number of dengue cases in the latter half of 2020 unless everyone pitches in and does their part to ensure mosquitoes are prevented from breeding, thereby reducing the rate of transmission of DENV.

How can I do my part?

The most effective way to protect you and your loved ones is performing the Mozzie Wipeout and eliminating breeding grounds of mosquitoes.

As the primary mode of viral transmission is through mosquito bites, use mosquito repellent to protect yourself from those pesky insects.

Spray insecticide in dark corners and toilets of your home and install mosquito screens on windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering.

Stay up to date with information on areas with relatively higher Aedes aegypti mosquito (leading carriers of DENV) and cooperate with NEA officers who do home-checks to get rid of mosquito breeding habitats and conduct indoor misting to kill adult mosquitoes.

“I think I have dengue fever.”

Common dengue symptoms:

  • High and prolonged fever

  • Severe headache

  • Pain behind the eyes

  • Joint and muscle ache

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Skin rash

  • Easy bruising

  • Nose or gum bleeding

  • Fatigue

If you are exhibiting any symptoms of dengue fever, apply mosquito repellent and immediately seek medical attention.

Book/schedule an appointment with Speedoc to test for dengue symptoms at home Lab blood draw

Our nurses will conduct a blood draw at your home, and the blood sample will be sent for testing. The turnaround time is approximately 2 hours. If the tests are positive for dengue virus, we will inform you of the results via phone call for either follow up visits/further blood testing (to assess platelet count daily) or any interim medication delivery.

If you are interested in booking a consultation with our licensed medical care professionals, you can make an appointment by using our online system here, download our app on the App Store or Google Play Store, or contact our hotline at +65 8180 8948.