The dengue death toll in Singapore this year has inched to 20, after two more people died from the infection earlier this month.
According to The Straits Times, the two people who died were aged 52 and 78 and one of them lived in an active dengue cluster area.
The National Environmental Agency (NEA) noted the increase in dengue infections and has warned the public that they are expecting the number of cases may continue to rise further due to the increasing mosquito population and the number of people getting infected.
Since the beginning of October 2019, the number of reported cases has increased from 228 cases to 377 cases in the week of 10th November—showing an increase of more than 140 cases within a span of about a month.
As of 16 November 2019, the total number of reported dengue cases is 14,327.
In an advisory on their website, NEA added that as of 19 November 2019, there are 83 active dengue clusters, 6 of which are located at Choa Chu Kang Avenue 2, Jalan Grisek, Elias Road, Jurong West Street 61, Jalan Chermai and Begonia Lane.
The agency also urged Singaporeans to 'break the disease transmission cycle' by protecting their loved ones and themselves.
How to keep your home dengue-free
Parents' efforts should mainly be focused on eliminating stagnant water as this is the breeding ground for the Aedes mosquito.
1. Regularly remove stagnant water from utensils and gardening tools
2. Keep damp areas like bathroom and kitchen dry
3. Do not let empty containers or pots any water
4. Cover bamboo poles when not in use
5. Use insecticide sprays and repellants in dark corners like under your bed, sofa or behind the curtains
6. Loosen the soil in potted plants to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water on the surface
7. Clean out the roof gutter
Families going on holidays should also dengue-proof their homes before traveling and should bring along and apply insect repellent if necessary.
Symptoms of dengue fever
- Sudden onset of fever for two to seven days
- Severe headache and pain behind the eye
- Join and muscle pain
- Skin rash
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Susceptible to easy bruising
Pregnant women should also be extra careful. If Dengue fever happens during pregnancy, it not only affects the mother, it also affects the growing foetus.
If you or your loved ones are experiencing such symptoms and suspect dengue, seek medical attention immediately.
Take care parents and do keep your house dengue-free!
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