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.
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.
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.
Singapore is in the tropical region where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes live. The best prevention is to get rid of mosquito breeding places:
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.
Sources: Communicable Disease Centre, Singapore National Environment Agency, Singapore
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