These days in Malaysia, not only do you have to worry about the flu virus circulating around, but the other health threat is dengue fever. According to reports, there has been an upward trend of 8 per cent for six consecutive weeks in new dengue cases for 2020. Even the Health Ministry (MOH) is expecting an increase in dengue cases with the second wave starting from early June until September 2020, based on trends over the last 5 years.
As there is no real treatment for dengue fever, the focus is on prevention. For the most part, there is an integrated vector management system (IVM) being trialled in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, which uses insecticide spraying and active community engagement to target the mosquito life-cycle stages.
However, is this enough? The public in Malaysia also has to ensure that they also do their part to prevent dengue fever cases from arising.
What is Dengue Fever and Its Symptoms?
Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus. Dengue does not spread from person to person, but you can be infected if you are bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito. As mosquito feeds, the virus has an incubation period of 8 to 12 days in the insect. When it bites someone else, the individual also has an incubation period of 3 to 14 days before they may develop symptoms.
There are 4 known strains of dengue and you can be infected with each one for up to 4 different times. The first time that you get infected is probably the most severe, especially if you are elderly or have existing medical conditions.
Some of the symptoms of dengue fever are:
- Sudden onset of fever for 2-7 days
- Severe headache with pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Skin rashes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mild bleeding
Dengue fever can worsen to become dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can lead to death. Symptoms of severe dengue may include severe bleeding problems of the gums, skin and internal organs, as well as plasma leakage such as abdominal pain and persistent vomiting.
If you have severe dengue fever, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. As there is no cure, treatment for dengue is supportive. You will likely be hospitalised and treated with fluid and electrolyte replacement and blood transfusions.
How Can We Prevent Dengue Fever?
Thus, the best way forward is to work on prevention of dengue fever.
You can work on preventing the Aedes mosquito from breeding in your house, by cleaning and removing areas with stagnant water. You can also install wire-mesh screens or mosquito nets in your home to keep out mosquitoes.
Individually, you can also apply insect repellent regularly, wear long, covered clothing and stay away from the outdoors during dusk and dawn, when there is more mosquito activity.
Dengue Care Pack Malaysia
At Nature’s Glory, we have developed a special Dengue Care pack especially to deal with the symptoms of dengue fever. The Dengue Care pack contains a bottle of mFree insect repellent, miracle grass oil, Claymin powder and aloe vera Juice concentrate drink. Each of these has a specific purpose to help soothe itches and swelling, detoxify your blood and reduce pain and inflammation naturally.
Mfree Insect Repellent
Made from organic lemongrass oil, coconut oil and filtered water using our HiFloAM Water®, it protects for up to 10 hours against mosquitoes, sandflies and other biting insects.
Miracle Grass Oil
Made from natural green grass and vegetable oil, our Miracle Grass Oil helps to soothe itches and swelling from insect bites and stings, bruises, burns, wounds and rashes.
Adam’s Claymin Powder
Claymin powder is a natural mineral supplement that can deliver trace minerals as it sweeps the body, clean of internal toxins and aids in building up your blood and immunity.
Premium Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Concentrate
Made from premium, organic whole leaf aloe, our Aloe Vera Concentrate helps to reduce inflammation from mosquito bites and other skin conditions. It can also be used for burns, cuts, eczema, mouth ulcers, athletes’ foot, and other fungal/parasitic infections, psoriasis, radiations, and sunburns.
Find out more about our Dengue care pack here.