"If you think you're too small to make a difference, you haven't spent a night with a mosquito"


Hello everyone! Welcome of the blog of Dengue, where everything you need/want to know about this infectious disease are available. Let this be the platform that could help to increase awareness of Dengue, hopefully. Cheers!


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"Prevention is better than cure"
Monday, 3 August 2015
Dengue, as detrimental as it can be to human health, is preventable. To prevent the spread to this infectious disease is simply to stop the breeding of its vector, the Aedes mosquitoes. They are easily identifiable through their distinct black and white stripes on their bodies (although it remains debatable as to whether one could observe such trait outdoor, so often the Aedes mosquitoes strike before one can really take notice). Yet, despite the advance in medicine, the most effective and easiest measure to stop Dengue remains as taking cautious approach to stop the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.

In Singapore, the government have started different campaigns and programs in hope of raising awareness of Dengue. For instant, the "Do the Mozzie Wipe-out" campaign was launched in 28 April 2013. In just slightly more than 2 years, there are more than 2000 Dengue Prevention Volunteer Group members being recruited, trained and engaged in over 1000 community events to promote Dengue awareness. Collaborating with NEA officers, these group of volunteers helped in explaining Dengue-associated risks to the public and what precautionary measures can be carried out. Interestingly, this was done through the use of exhibits, educational materials and collateral. To further reinforce the importance of Dengue prevention, a Dengue prevention skit was conceptualized and rolled out in July 2013 so as to engage with public with such interesting performances. The Dengue Information Push Carts, a creativity-infused project involving multi-purpose booths, was subsequently started and roved to the community. They showcases live mosquito exhibits, screens Dengue prevention videos and publicizes relevant social media platforms such as the Stop Dengue Now Facebook page. Such captivating idea to promote Dengue prevention and the use of user-friendly features have gained positive responses from the public.

Dengue prevention skit

Launch of Dengue Information Push Cart

Another main campaign that was launched by the government was the Dengue Community Alert System, which displayed color-coded banners to indicate the seriousness of the Dengue situation at the particular area. The color corresponds to the preventive measures needed to be taken. 

Color-coded Alert System

Besides the government's efforts, Singaporeans play a vital role in Dengue prevention too. Eradicating breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes, for example, can be accomplished easily by changing water in vases and bowls on alternate days, removing stagnant water in flower pots, covering bamboo pole holders when not in use, clearing blockages in any pipes, and putting BTI in roof gutters monthly. In the event of an outbreak, chemical control methods such as application of mosquito repellents or use of pesticides can complement source reduction efforts. 

Unfortunately, we live in a country plagued by Dengue mainly due to our tropical climate. Over the years, government's initiatives to decreases the number of Dengue cases and raise awareness of Dengue have been quite successful. To fully eradicate all Aedes mosquitoes, Singaporeans should cooperate and do their parts to prevent Dengue effectively so the number of Dengue cases could decline slowly can finally cease one day.  

References:
http://www.medicinenet.com/dengue_fever/page6.htm
http://www.dengue.gov.sg/subject.asp?ID=103
http://www.dengue.gov.sg/subject.asp?id=101
http://www.dengue.gov.sg/highlight/MozzieWipeoutCampaignUpdates.asp







layout by ellie. image from weheartit.