Beware! It Bites!

One sting has claimed two lives in Singapore this year. It shows how deadly this tiny sting is, yet many of us are still underestimating it. Dengue cases are reported at its highest level this year, with total of 2,868 cases for the first 6months, doubled the number for the same period last year. 293 cases were reported two weeks ago, and last week it hit the epidemic level with 401 cases being reported.

Dengue can cause dengue fever and dengue haemorraghic fever. Dengue haemorraghic fever is a more severe form of dengue which can lead to death if unrecognized or not treated properly. One of the common symptoms is sudden onset of fever accompanied by intense headache, body aches, joint pains, nausea and development of skin rashes. More serious symptoms include severe bleeding problems, such as gum or nose bleeding and bleeding into the skin or internal organs, along with evidence of plasma leakage. These severe bleeding problems normally present in dengue haemorraghic fever.

Presently, there is no specific treatment for dengue fever or dengue haemorraghic fever. Infected patients will be given fluid injections and frequent blood test monitoring to reduce complications of the disease. For more severe cases, blood transfusions may be required.

I urge every one of us to be more alert and responsible for our own actions. There are many things that are not within our control; however, there are some things that we can decide to have. Friends, we have the ability to create a healthy environment for us and our family to live in.

It is now the matter of choice. What is yours?