Understanding the broader implications of dengue fever that go beyond the usual prevention messages.
What happens to your life when you contract dengue fever? You might miss important events such as birthdays, job opportunities, and social gatherings. For Marklin Ang, it was the first day of his National Service enlistment.
Marklin’s first experience with dengue in 2012 was marked not only by the fever and intense back pain but also by an overwhelming concern for his obligations. Hospitalized, he found himself pleading with medical staff for an early discharge, fearing repercussions for missing his enlistment. Little did he know, his battle with dengue would not end there—it would come back to haunt him again and again.
The unseen toll of this notorious virus is difficult for many to comprehend. With warnings of a “major dengue outbreak” looming amid ongoing COVID-19 infections, the threat to our healthcare system and community immunity is palpable. Despite the barrage of advertisements promoting dengue prevention, the more nuanced effects of this illness are often overlooked. So, what are those effects?
Red Zone Alarm Now is not the best time to contract dengue, or any contagious disease for that matter. In the wake of COVID-19 waves and lockdowns, many Singaporeans are striving to navigate their new normal.
The issue with dengue is its paradoxical nature; it is both highly probable and improbable. As of July 2022, Singapore was grappling with at least 341 active dengue clusters, with 120 categorized as high-risk areas hosting ten or more cases. Just as we seemed to emerge from the COVID crisis, we now face the potential of a significant dengue outbreak—sometimes even within the supposed safety of our homes.
The National Dengue Prevention Campaign has long warned about how easily outbreaks can arise—from neglected vases and stagnant water in pails to roof gutters or sheer bad luck. While most of us are familiar with dengue’s debilitating effects, the significant stress it brings is less discussed.
Marklin Ang (pictured) endured three separate battles with dengue. He later shared his harrowing experiences in a Facebook post that resonated with many. Marklin recalls little of the details from his intense hospital stays, overshadowed by memories of needles and blood transfusions. “By my third encounter, my mind was a fog,” he admits. “Even now, it feels hazy when I think back on that time.”
Similarly, Hafizah Jainal, a freelance illustrator, recalls her struggle with dengue in 2020. “I had no idea how I contracted it, but I was aware that I lived in a dengue red zone.” The stresses of moving into a new place combined with the rising pandemic fears heightened her anxiety. “I was paranoid about needing to isolate myself,” she confesses.
For Hafizah, living with a housemate added to her discomfort. “I didn’t want to trouble her,” she says, reflecting on how much she missed her mother’s comforting presence during her illness.
Marklin’s battles with dengue didn’t end with him. When his elderly mother fell ill, he received a distressing call. Rushing home, he found her hunched over in pain from backaches and a high fever—symptoms that echoed his past experiences. “I was overwhelmed with ‘what-ifs’ but chose to stand by her side regardless,” he shared.
Facing the Pain Normalcy for Hafizah involves the relentless nature of her work: “Being a workaholic, I thought I could still get some work done while in bed, but the medication was too potent.” The added stress from dengue exacerbated her lifelong struggle with psoriasis, leading to further discomfort.
Marklin, who has thalassemia minor, faced even more severe reactions to dengue, compounded by worries about long-term effects. In a viral Facebook post, he noted, “My short-term memory has degraded ever since.” The attention his post garnered not only allowed him to share his story but also connected him with others facing similar challenges.
The Importance of Prevention “In many Singaporeans’ minds, there’s a common perception towards dengue: ‘It won’t happen to me,'” Marklin states. While no one is fully prepared to face dengue, knowing that hospital bills and hidden costs are covered can provide peace of mind.
Reflecting on his experience, Marklin admits he didn’t care about dengue insurance plans at age 22. If he and his parents had been informed about specialized dengue coverage, it could have alleviated the financial strain during his hospitalizations.
For Hafizah, who continues regular blood platelet monitoring, the fog in her mind lifted only after a week. “Ironically, it was a good break. I cherished the time spent with my mother and late grandmother.”
As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure. This isn’t just a cliché; taking proactive measures like securing proper insurance should be a priority in safeguarding both physical and mental health.
Marklin emphasizes, “After my second bout, I was diligent about applying mosquito sprays and patches. But I still contracted it again! You can never be too careful.”
