Dengue Fever

When Can You Or Your Child Go Home?

Current hospital guidelines allow patients who are well and have a rising platelet trend or platelet above 70,000 to be discharged.

After discharge, a repeat blood test (details included with discharge letter) should be done 1-2 weeks later at a polyclinic or GP to confirm that the platelet count is back to normal.

However, some patients may feel very tired and another week of rest at home is advised.

Can You Or Your Child Spread Dengue To Others?

No, it is not transmitted by direct spread from one person to another. Dengue is transmitted by infected mosquito bites. Hence, persons in the same vicinity may come down with dengue fever.

Can You Or Your Child Be Infected Again?

Yes. There are 4 strains of dengue viruses. Infection with one strain will provide protection against only that particular strain. Future infection by other strains is possible. Currently there is no vaccine available for dengue fever.

How To Reduce The Chances Of Being Infected By Dengue Fever?

Singapore is in the tropical region where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes live. The best prevention is to get rid of mosquito breeding places:

• Change water in vases/ bowls (including pet water containers) on alternate days
• Remove water from flowerpot plates on alternate days
• Turn over all water storage containers
• Cover bamboo pole holders when not in use
• Cover rarely used gully traps
• Add prescribed amount of Temephos sand granular insecticide in roof gutters at least once a month
• Cover toilet bowls and floor traps when away from home for a few or more days
• Fit all floor traps with anti-mosquito valves

Air conditioning or windows/ doors with mosquito screens can reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Using mosquito repellents containing DEET as the active ingredient on exposed skin and clothing can also decrease the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

However, it is important to note:

• Children below 2 months old should avoid DEET mosquito repellent
• Children below 3 years old should avoid eucalyptus oil
• Children above 2 months old should use mosquito repellent in lower concentration of DEET between 7 - 20%
• Pregnant women should reduce the usage of DEET mosquito repellent and apply on clothing instead
• Mosquito repellent with DEET in concentration between 20 - 30 % is only suitable for adult