According to the World Health Organization there have been more than 35,700 cases of Dengue Fever reported in Malaysia this year as of April 2015, including 108 deaths. This is a 36% increase in cases compared with the same period in 2014.
In light of these alarming statistics EZTakaful has put together some prevention advice to keep you and everyone you love healthy and dengue-free.
What is Dengue Fever?
- Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes.
- Symptoms include severe joint and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever, exhaustion and rash. The presence of fever, rash, and headache (the “dengue triad”) is characteristic of Dengue Fever.
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a specific syndrome that tends to affect children under 10 years of age. It causes abdominal pain, hemorrhage (bleeding), and circulatory collapse (shock).
Alarming Statistics to Note:
Within Asia, the WHO Western Pacific Region (WPRO) is considered to be the global epicentre of Dengue Fever. Malaysia is ranked third among countries in the WPRO in terms of the number of reported cases of dengue disease between 1991 and 2007.
Dengue disease was first reported in Malaysia in the early 1900s and became a public health problem in the 1970s. Significant outbreaks of Dengue Fever occurred from 1982, with a gradually increasing incidents and fatalities.
Latest Vaccine Development:
There are four closely related viruses that can cause disease, and the goal for a vaccine is to protect against all four.
There is limited understanding of how severe disease occurs and how the virus interacts with the immune system. There is also no correlate of protection, which is a measurable sign (such as antibodies) that a person is immune, and no laboratory animal models available that reliably predict that a vaccine will protect a person against dengue. Despite efforts to control dengue, based primarily on vector control and case management, the burden and costs of the disease continue to grow.
Five vaccine candidates are in clinical stages of development. Many other dengue vaccines are under development but are still being tested in pre-clinical trials (not in humans). Source: Dengue Vaccine Initiative
What Can You Do To Prevent Dengue?
Avoid mosquito bites:
- Use insect repellent to avoid being bitten, especially around dawn and dusk – products containing N-diethylmetatoluamide (DEET) are effective, but products containing this ingredient should not be used in babies younger than two months and in lower concentrations in younger children (20-30% DEET)
- Wear loose-fitting but protective clothing – mosquitoes are able to bite through tight-fitting clothes; trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and socks and shoes (not sandals) are ideal
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). You can buy pretreated clothing and gear or treat them yourself.
- Stay and sleep in screened or air conditioned rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
Reduce mosquito habitats:
The mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus typically live in and around houses, breeding in standing water that can collect in such things as used automobile tyres. Disposing of household waste and litter can be a key way to reduce the breeding habitat and lower mosquito populations.
Stay Protected with EZCergas:
EZTakaful offers a great product, Takaful EZCergas, which pays a daily income benefit up to 60 days if hospitalised due to Dengue or Malaria.
Takaful EZCergas Accidental Hospital Income Plan pays up to:
RM500 Daily Hospital Income Benefit
RM1,000 Double Daily Accidental Hospital Income Benefit for ICU
RM250 Daily Family Allowance
RM2,500 Post Hospital Treatment Allowance
PLUS, customise your plan with up to 4 valuable add-ons:
1. Dengue and Malaria
2. Motorcycle Accident
3. Major Surgery cash
4. Outpatient Emergency cash
Protect yourself now by enrolling online or calling us on 1300 30 3001!
Next week we will discuss the stress management and the health ways to cope with stress to help you reduce its harmful effects on your mind and soul.
Happy Reading!