Pests can be a handful to deal with without proper tools and know-how. Sometimes, when you take matters into your own hands, it only gets worse. So next time you need some termite control in Singapore, look for professionals to do the job. And to do it fast and right away as some pests can cause a great deal of damage to your family’s health.
Read on and find out some of the worst diseases caused by your common household pests.
- Chikungunya
- Caused by mosquitoes, it was started by a pathogen found in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Carried by the Aedes mosquito, the same species that cause dengue fever, chikungunya fever has seen an uptake in Singapore. With Singaporeans travelling to places where the disease is endemic, the Ministry of Health has reported more than 300 cases in the first half of 2013 alone. According to Dr. Limin Wijaya, Senior Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, the rise is probably due to the prolonged hot weather in the country, which is ideal for mosquito breeding.
- West Nile Virus
- Originating near the West Nile, this disease has spread throughout the world thanks to its active vectors. Symptoms include headaches, fever, excessive sweating, chills, and other similar flu-like symptoms. In 2012, Singapore saw a rise in the number of human cases of WNV, but was limited only in the areas affected by the 2010 and 2011 outbreaks.
- Malaria
- One of the more popular diseases carried by mosquitoes and a primary reason why you shouldn’t skip on mosquito fogging in Singapore. 2015 saw 47 cases of malaria with one fatality. Although these numbers are relatively low, they are still alarming. Experts say that the country’s humid environment makes it a perfect breeding spot for the Anopheles mosquitoes carrying the parasite Plasmodium, the cause of the disease.
- Lyme Disease
- Although relatively unknown in Singapore, this disease spread by ticks, induces flu-like illness and includes joint pain and neurological problems. If not treated right away, it can lead to severe respiratory illness.
- Tularemia
- Also caused by ticks, this rare infectious disease attacks the skin, eyes, lymph nodes and lungs. In the 1950s, thousands of people were infected each year. This has significantly gone down with only less than 200 each year, and these are people who are exposed to the bacterium Francisella tularensis in its natural habitat. Still, it is better to make sure your home is tick free.
- Typhus
- With almost 146 cases a year and nearly 8% of the Singapore population suffering from this disease, Typhus is something that should not be dismissed easily. Caused by the bacteria Rickettsia felis, spread by ticks as well, this disease causes swelling of the lymph nodes, headaches, and chills.
From bed bug control in Singapore to serious mosquito extermination, it is vital that every precaution is followed to ensure that your home is pest free. Contact a trusted pest control agency now and secure your family’s safety.
