Dengue is a deadly infection that can be acquired with a single bite from Aedes aegypti mosquito. Though Singapore practices vector control measures, it’s important to understand that the integrated disease management strategy involving the dengue vaccine will optimize dengue prevention overall.
Take control of your life and health now! Here are few tips on how you can ‘Be a Wall Against Dengue‘ and protect yourself, and those around you, from dengue:
1. The 5-step Mozzie Wipeout
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has been educating the community for a number of years about the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout to ensure we are not encouraging for the breeding of Aedes aegypti mosquito.
2. Always keep an insect repellent handy
The next time you go to your neighbourhood park to jog or enjoy the evening breeze, remember to spray them with insect repellent or you can stick the mosquito repellent. You can also stick the mosquito repellent patch on your clothes to prevent mosquito bites.
3. Avoid highly populated dengue hot spot areas
Avoid travelling to areas that have been classified as dengue hot spots by NEA. When spending your weekend at the park or mall, choose areas that have minimal exposure to insects and avoid walking along drains that could potentially hold stagnant water allowing for mosquito breeding.
4. Educate your family on how to prevent dengue
As an adult it is important for you to maintain good hygiene practices to keep dengue at bay. At the same time, it is essential to teach the older and younger generations about the significance of dengue prevention and how it all starts at home.
5. Do everything you can: Immunize against dengue
Recently, the world’s first dengue vaccine was approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore. The indicated age for the vaccine is 12-45 years old and similar to many other immunization vaccines, three doses are required to be fully immunized against dengue.
Now, there is a solution to ensure we are not the host for the infection to thrive. Talk to your doctor to find out more!
Share your protection and prevention tips against dengue. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #BeAWallAgainstDengue!