Latest news with #AedesAegypti
CNA
17 hours ago
- General
- CNA
Not all pain medications are safe to take during dengue season
Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness common in subtropical and tropical regions, poses a significant public health concern in Singapore. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), there were between 89 and 118 dengue cases weekly in May 2025, bringing the total to almost 2,020 cases since the year began. A major dengue risk factor in Singapore is the high population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. According to NEA, dengue transmission typically increases during the warmer months from May to October, as higher temperatures accelerate the development of the Aedes mosquito and speed up the multiplication of the dengue virus within them. UNDERSTANDING THE SYMPTOMS Common dengue symptoms include mild to high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and skin rash. However, not all dengue patients exhibit the characteristic rash. Routine dengue tests are most sensitive 72 hours after the onset of symptoms, which means that testing too early could lead to a false negative result. 'Every day, numerous patients with undiagnosed dengue present with a fever at the accident and emergency departments of hospitals,' said Dr Sanjeev Shanker, emergency medicine specialist at StarMed Specialist Centre. 'It is important to differentiate dengue from other minor viral febrile (fever-related) illnesses as dengue patients require careful and prolonged monitoring to ensure that they do not develop severe dengue.' 00:30 Min Severe dengue symptoms include abdominal pain, persistent vomiting and bleeding gums, and require immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications. 'If you develop dengue symptoms, are aware that you have been bitten by mosquitoes, or are living in a known dengue cluster, consult your doctor to test for the illness,' advised Dr Sanjeev. MANAGING DENGUE SYMPTOMS EFFECTIVELY Dengue patients often experience a low platelet count, especially as the illness progresses, which is why it is important to choose the right medication to manage pain and fever. World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines caution against the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin to treat these symptoms as they can potentially increase the risk of bleeding. 'Platelets are blood cells that help with blood clotting. This means that dengue patients with low platelet counts are at a higher risk of excessive bleeding,' explained Dr Vandana Garg, medical and scientific affairs lead (Southeast Asia and Taiwan), Haleon Singapore. 'This may be exacerbated by the use of NSAIDs, which can hamper the recovery of the patient's platelet count or prevent the optimal functioning of remaining platelets.' WHO recommends paracetamol as the primary medication for managing fever and pain caused by dengue. 'Paracetamol is available in various formulations like syrups, tablets and suppositories, and is suitable for use in children, adults and the elderly, when used as directed,' added Dr Garg. STEPPING UP PREVENTION EFFORTS Dr Sanjeev emphasised the importance of proactive measures from the government and the community in implementing preventive strategies to curb mosquito breeding and minimise the risk of bites. Suggested measures include wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellents and eliminating potential breeding sites around homes. 'Be extra vigilant if your neighbourhood is a dengue cluster. This is usually indicated by posters in public areas stating the number of dengue cases detected,' Dr Sanjeev said. He also highlighted the importance of personal responsibility in preventing the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, which can be achieved by following the 'BLOCK' steps: Break up hardened soil; lift and empty flowerpot plates; overturn pails and wipe their rims; change water in vases; and keep roof gutters clear. By enhancing understanding of dengue symptoms, following WHO guidelines for symptom management and actively engaging in dengue prevention efforts, everyone can do their part to minimise dengue outbreaks and foster a healthier environment for all.
News.com.au
27-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Aussies warned to take precaution after dengue fever outbreak in Cook Islands
Cook Islands – a popular travel spot for Australians – is warning travellers to take precautions after seven cases of dengue fever prompted a health emergency. The Cook Islands Health Ministry confirmed two cases of illness last week, taking to seven cases reported within a 18-day span. The cases are currently confined to the isle of Rarotonga, and measures are being taken to prevent its spread to the outer islands of Pa Enua. Health authorities have launched Operation Namu25 as a comprehensive initiative to clear mosquito breeding grounds and prevent the transmission of the fever. Certain species of mosquito – the Aedes aegypti – primarily transport the dengue infection. The symptoms of the mosquito-borne viral infection include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, and skin rashes. In more fatal cases, it can lead to serious health complications that require hospitalisation. Most cases of dengue fever enter Australia through travellers, who are advised to use insect repellent while in the Pacific Islands and seek medical attention if they notice any symptoms
CBS News
10-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Invasive mosquito known for dengue, yellow fever found in Antioch
An invasive mosquito has been found in Antioch, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District said Friday. The species, Aedes aegypti, is capable of transmitting pathogens that can cause Zika virus, dengue fever, and yellow fever. The species was found in an area of Antioch where the district also found invasive mosquitoes last fall. District employees recently re-inspected locations where the mosquitoes were previously found. A sample taken this week from one of those properties contained young mosquitoes developing in the water and one recently emerged adult. The district said in a statement it will likely find more of these mosquitoes as it inspects more properties. An Aedes aegypti mosquito is pictured at a laboratory of the Center for Parasitological and Vector Studies (CEPAVE) of the national scientific research institute CONICET, in La Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, on March 26, 2024. Researchers at CONICET are studying the biology, genetic characteristics and behaviour of the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, transmitter of dengue, zika and chikungunya, and creating biological control strategies as Argentina is facing a significant growing number of dengue cases. LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images "As the district's main goal is to protect public health for all Contra Costa County residents, at this time, we need Antioch residents to be extra vigilant to remove any amount of standing water that is present in your front and back yard," the district's operations manager David Wexler said in the statement. "Scheduling a district inspection of your front and back yard is strongly recommended, as Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are found in hard-to-find locations." Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are very small, about a quarter-inch, with black bodies and pearly white stripes and spots. They lay sticky eggs above the water line in any size container that holds water, including potted plants or other outdoor containers. Because of their disease risk and their ability to grow from egg to adult in even very small amounts of water, the district said it is critically important that residents work with the district to prevent them from becoming established in the area. The district says to dump out any amount of standing water from any back or front yard container, including buckets, toys, tires, fountains, flowerpot saucers, pet bowls, and that people should report unmaintained swimming pools to the district. It also says people should wear mosquito repellent when outside and report any daytime mosquito biting to the district at (925) 685-9301 or can go to
