Dengue
Dengue is one of the most important arthropod-borne viral diseases in terms of human morbidity and mortality in Malaysia. Dengue has become an important public health problem. It affects tropical and subtropical regions around the world, predominantly in urban and semi urban areas. Dengue viruses are transmitted to humans through the bites of a striped Aedes aegypti mosquito that has previously bitten an infected person. Dengue does not spread directly from person to person. It is only spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
| Sign and symptoms of dengue fever :
• Aching muscles and joints • Body rash that can disappear and then reappear • High fever (40°C) for up to a week • Intense headache. • Pain behind the eyes • Vomiting and feeling nauseous |
Sign and symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever : • Bleeding from your mouth/gums/nose • Clammy skin • Internal bleeding, which can result in black vomit and faeces (stools) • Abdominal pain • Small blood spots under your skin • Weak pulse |
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Things you can do to prevent getting and spreading dengue :
1.Prevent Aedes mosquitoes from breeding :
• Add larvicides according to the recommended dose in the label
• Change water and scrub the insides of all water containers once a week
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2.Keep adult mosquitoes away : • Destroy adult Aedes mosquitoes by using aerosol insect repellant, but be careful in using them in the presence of young children and old people • Wear full sleeves clothes and long dresses to cover as much of your body as possible • Use mosquito coils and electric vapour mats during the daytime also to prevent dengue • Use mosquito nets to protect children, old people and others who may rest during the day |
If you are suspected of having or diagnosed with dengue fever, minimize the risk of transmission :
1.Reduce the number of adult mosquitoes in your house:
• Wear full sleeves clothes and long dresses to cover as much of your body as possible
2.Clean your environment:
3.Prevent further mosquito bites:
• You could apply insect repellants to exposed body parts or use a mosquito net
4.Inform your neighbours and friends who are suspected of having or diagnosed with dengue fever to do the same
