Everything you need to know about dengue clusters in Singapore

We probably have heard about the seriousness of dengue fever and reported dengue cases in Singapore by National Environment Agency Singapore (NEA). To share some perspective, on why this has become a rising topic, do you know how many dengue cases are there in Singapore as of 2019? Over 14,658 dengue cases reported in late 2019, and in fact, this shocking number has surpassed the prior year’s statistics by five and half times. In a small island of Singapore, there were 108 active dengue clusters reported. In this article, Rentokil Singapore shares more about causes of mosquito infestation and how to get rid of mosquitoes.

What is dengue cluster?

The NEA reports dengue update on Dengue Clusters regularly. The clusters include three different tiers of alert, comprising Red, Yellow and Green.

• Red: High risk areas with over 10 cases
• Yellow: High risk areas with cases 10 or below
• Green: No new cases reported and under surveillance over the next 21 days

Dengue cluster represents an area or location with active mosquito transmission. These are areas with two or more cases arises within 14 days of onset. In this cluster, intervention is necessary and cases are within proximity of 150m. Readers may visit the clusters update where details on locality, number of cases reported within the week, total accumulated cases, and respective alert level.

These clusters movement and condition may change and vary as we move along. While some clusters may be better controlled and keeping dengue cases at bay, there may be epidemic at other areas.

Factors that causes rise in Dengue cases

• Increase in Aedes Mosquito adult population in the environment
• Climate change and warm temperature
• Frequent rain, flood and collection of stagnant water
• Increase in mosquito breeding sites
• Compromised heath immunity to fight against the virus
• Inadequate control in eliminating both adult mosquitoes and larvae
• Urbanisation
• Potential mutation and strengthening of bacteria strain

Understanding more about Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever can be fatal and life-threatening if left untreated. It may be confused and mistaken for Zika, another mosquito-related disease.  Dengue symptoms include the following

• Experience a sudden high fever, that may be mistaken for flu
• Headache
• Pain behind the eye
• Joint paint and muscle ache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash
• Dengue shock: Disorientation, blood pressure changes, hypotension and bleeding

Typically, an individual would not feel the symptoms within 4 to 14 days after an Aedes Mosquitoes has infected them. Unfortunately, there is no cure or treatment for Dengue Fever and recovery includes hydrating the patient, painkillers and reduce the fever. For serious cases, Intravenous (IV) fluid drips and blood transfusion may be required.

How to Prevent Dengue

Sounds almost as impossible to remain safe from these vector-borne diseases with no vaccines and immunisation available, there are steps you can take to prevent contracting the scary disease. Here is a list important reminders and information pertaining to dengue prevention.

• What attracts mosquitoes?
• Signs of mosquitoes to look out for
• Have you created mosquito-breeding sources in your home?
• Are you aware of the 5 step mozzie wipeout imitative?
• Is your home décor and design inviting mozzies?

Check potted plants for mosquito breeding source

Types of mosquitoes in Singapore

3 common mosquitoes in Singapore includes the

• Aedes Mosquitoes: Commonly known to cause Dengue Fever, and recognised for its black and white markings on their body, and breeds in clean, stagnant water
• Anopheles Mosquitoes: Comes with pale and dark markings on its wings, prefers the swampy water and causes Malaria
• Culex Mosquitoes: Looks similar with Anopheles Mosquito with its dull, dark and pale outlook, lives in dirty and polluted water and causes diseases such as Japanese B Encephalitis.

Mosquito active time are largely at night, where they surface to bite. However, for Aedes Mosquitoes, they are active during dawn and dusk. This could explains why people who do sports and exercises towards dawn tend to get mosquito bites. Particularly, at high risks areas where greeneries, carbon dioxide, body heat and warm and presence of lactic acid are present. Besides this, find out why mozzies are more attracted to some of us.

Controlling mosquitoes at all life stages

Understanding about mosquito bites

Firstly, let us understand why do mosquito bite? Particularly, the female mozzies bite us to feed on blood meal. They require protein to help in their reproduction process. Mosquito bites itch due to the foreign substance that injected into our skin as mozzie pierce with their proboscis.

Perhaps not easily mistaken for other bites since we are familiar and often bitten by mosquitoes, but do you know there are many different pest bites that has similar symptoms, including red, itchy swell bumps in a line, that appears on the arms and legs. Among which, is the bed bug bites that is found on our body the following day. Bed bugs, similarly, bite us for blood meal and surface at night for food source as we sleep.

Mosquitoes bite to seek for blood meal

Mosquito prevention home remedies

Particularly in targeted and high-risk dengue clusters, engaging in professional pest control services to get rid of mosquitoes is important. A comprehensive mosquito removal treatment includes,

• Regular water-based fogging to eliminate adult mosquitoes population
• Larviciding to address larvae and pupae breeding in key risk areas, including drains, gulley traps
• Placing of outdoor mosquito traps to lure and trap mosquitoes
• Additional protection for home mosquitoes’ problem, by placing indoor mosquitoes’ trap.

Mosquito inspection tips

However, for homeowners who may not engaged in the full mosquito control services, how do you keep mosquitoes away naturally? How to prevent mosquitoes at home?

• Using essential oil such as lemongrass, peppermint and citronella oil
• Keep the place cool
• Eliminate any stagnant water and breeding source
• Some belief to blow mozzies away with a fan and chase them away with the wind
• In outdoors, wipe dry perspiration and wear long sleeves for protection
• Use mozzie repellent patch for safety
• Fit a mash or screen filter to prevent entry
• Herbs planting such as rosemary helps in some deterrent extend

All you need to know about mosquito control in Singapore

Call Rentokil Pest Control at (65) 6347 8138 for an integrated mosquito pest control today.