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Dengue fever is caused by infection with a dengue virus. There are four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV1-4) circulating in the world. Learn about dengue in Singapore, how it spreads, its symptoms and prevention.
For the latest dengue situation in Singapore, please refer to the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) weekly infectious disease bulletin
It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). Dengue fever is not contagious and does not spread directly from person to person. A mosquito is infected when it takes a blood meal from a dengue-infected person. After approximately one week, the mosquito can then transmit the virus to other people they bite.
Dengue fever usually develops within four to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms include:
• Sudden onset of fever for two to seven days
• Severe headache with retro-orbital (behind the eye) pain
• Joint and muscle pain
• Skin rashes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bleeding from the nose or gums or easy bruising of the skin
Dengue haemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome is a severe form of dengue fever that could result in death.
Please seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you may have dengue.
There is no specific treatment for dengue or dengue haemorrhagic fever. Treatment for dengue is supportive. In severe cases, you may require hospitalisation and aggressive emergency treatment with fluid and electrolyte replacement or blood transfusions.
To prevent the spread of dengue fever, you must first prevent the breeding of its vector, the Aedes mosquito. The Aedes mosquito is easily identifiable by the distinctive black and white stripes on its body.
It prefers to breed in clean, stagnant water easily found in our homes. You can get rid of the Aedes mosquito by frequently checking and removing stagnant water on your premises.
Learn more ways to prevent Aedes mosquito breeding on the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) dengue web page.
A dengue vaccine has been approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for individuals aged 12 to 45 years. Individuals should consult their doctor if they wish to find out more about their suitability for the dengue vaccine.
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