3 ways to protect yourself and your family from Dengue

As we focus our efforts in fighting COVID-19, it’s easy to forget another important infectious disease that continues to lurk around in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. Yes, we’re talking about Dengue fever.

Over 2,000 Dengue cases have been recorded in Singapore since the beginning of this year with 26 active clusters as of May 2021, according to the National Environment Agency. And with the months of June to October being the traditional peak dengue season, now would be the crucial time to ensure that you and your family are protected against the disease.

So, are you prepared for Dengue season? Here are 3 ways to help you get started.

1. Make yourself less appealing to mosquitoes

Did you know that mosquitoes are naturally attracted to a few types of people? For example, people who wear dark coloured clothing, emit more carbon dioxide, or sweat more are more likely to stand out to mosquitoes.

While some of the above are biological, there are a few ways to make yourself and your family members less appealing to mosquitoes and ultimately protect yourself from Dengue.

Try choosing light coloured or loose fitted clothing to make yourself a harder target for mosquitoes to detect or make contact with your skin. If you’re someone who sweats a tad too much, keeping yourself cool(er) by hydrating with cold water or using a portable fan can help you stay off a mosquito’s radar – at least for a period of time.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to re-apply your mosquito repellent every few hours or after sweating as repellents do wear off overtime.

Read also: How do you stay prepared if critical illness strikes more than once?

2. Mozzie-proof your home

Keeping your doors and windows closed is an immediate solution to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. However, we understand that this may not be possible for everyone.

Instead, you can consider fitting your windows with mosquito screens so that you can still enjoy the fresh air while putting a barrier between your family and these uninvited guests. If your home currently uses white lights, try switching to yellow lights instead as they are less likely to attract mosquitoes.

You can also get yourself a plant or two that’s known to repel mosquitoes such as basil, lemongrass or citronella. Some of them could even come in handy in the kitchen too 😉

3. Stop mosquitoes from breeding

The most effective way to protect your family from Dengue is by preventing mosquitoes from breeding in the first place. By following the Mozzie Wipeout steps to remove stagnant water around your home at least once a week, you can play your part in the community’s effort to reduce Dengue fever cases in Singapore.

Tackle the 5 common breeding spots for mosquitoes by following the tips below.

• Break up hardened soil. This will allow water to drain, instead of creating a puddle at the surface that acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Lift and empty flowerpot plates. It’s important not to let stagnant water sit for too long, otherwise mosquitoes will get their chance to lay eggs.
• Overturn pails and wipe their rims. Similarly, make sure that any planters or pots outside are turned upside down so that they do not collect water.
• Change water in vases. You should regularly change out any sitting water, so that mosquito eggs don’t have time to hatch.
• Keep roof gutters clear and place BTI insecticide. If your home has gutters, then you will need to clean them out at least once a week and apply BTI insecticide (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis based insecticide). This is because water easily collects in gutters, creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Read also: What you need to know about critical illness

Protect your family financially against mozzie attacks

Taking the necessary precautions can go a long way in keeping your family well-protected from Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. But what happens in the unfortunate case that you or your family member contracts Dengue fever?

Here’s where a good personal accident insurance like FWD Personal Accident insurance can help you cover some of the medical costs involved.

With this plan, you’ll get up to S$7,500 of inpatient and outpatient medical coverage for expenses incurred due to mosquito-borne disease such as Dengue fever, Zika fever, Chikungunya fever, Malaria and Yellow fever – in addition to other infectious diseases.¹  You can also get up to S$500,000 coverage for death caused by Dengue fever.²