Dengue

There is an outbreak of Dengue Fever throughout Malaysia and there is increasing number of reported cases in Penang Bayan Baru, Sungai Ara, Relau, Air Itam, Bukit Mertajam and etc.

What is Dengue Fever? 

Dengue fever is  caused by the  Dengue  Virus  through the bite of the Aedes mosquito . No specific medication is available  in the treatment of  the disease. Therefore, prevention is of utmost importance.

What are the signs and symptoms:

·        Sudden high fever (39-40c)

·        Severe pain in the bones, muscles, joints, eyeballs

·        Headache

·        Hemorrhage (bleeding) in the nose, mouth and body

·        Red spots on the skin

·        Loss of appetite, Fatigue

·        Vomiting/Nausea

·        Stomachache

However serious problems can develop. These include dengue hemorrhagic fever, a complication with HIGH FEVER, damage to lymph and blood vessels, bleeding from the nose and gums, enlargement of the liver.

The symptoms may progress to massive bleeding, shock and death. People with weakened immune systems as well as those with a second or subsequent dengue infection are believed to be at greater risk for developing dengue hemorrhagic fever.

If you developed signs and symptoms as mentioned, kindly proceed to the nearest GOVERNMENT CLINIC (KLINIK KESIHATAN) for Dengue rapid test, the result will be ready in 10 minutes time.

 Where does the mosquito breed?

·        Dengue mosquitoes breed in stored, exposed, water collections.

·        The favored breeding places are  barrels, drums, jars, pots, buckets, flower vases, plant saucers, tanks, discarded bottles/tins, tyres, water coolers, etc where rainwater collects or is stored.  

  What can we do?

  1) Destroy  the  breeding grounds:

·       Cover all water storage vessels or add  Abate into the water to kill the larva.

·       Change the water in flower vases  frequently, at least once every week

·       Empty Water collection from  the following:

     - flower pot  sauces ,

     -rain water gutters   

    - containers such as cans and bottles, plastic bags,

   2) Destroy the adult Aedes mosquito:

·          Spraying aerosol  (it can kill the adult Aedes mosquitoes  ) 

·          Fogging.  ( for effective fogging, occupants are advised to allow fogging inside the house.This is carried out by designated Health officials)    

  3) Minimize exposure to mosquitoes:

·         Sleeping under a mosquito net.

·        Avoid outdoor night time activities.

·        Avoid dark colored clothing, perfume, cologne and after-shave.

·        Wear clothing  that cover arms and legs. (The mosquito usually                                  attacks  between 6-8am and 6-8pm.)

·        Use  the following  insecticides:

 - aerosol  spray  in the room to kill mosquitoes before sleeping.  Allow 30mins to       lapse after spraying room.   

 - mosquito coils or vaporizing mats containing a pyrethrin. 

 -  mosquito repellents.