Our humble red dot has dealt with the wrath of dengue for the longest time.
Every neighbourhood will inevitably have a tarpaulin infographic depicting the severity of dengue in the area – it’s an unfortunate norm.
Let’s face it, we breed more mosquitoes than we multiply our population on The Sims.
It is a well-known fact that Dengue is mostly spread through contact with an Aedes Aegypti mosquito. We have also come to widely accept that our homes are breeding grounds to these disease-carrying pests. After all, Singapore is a tropical country.
But did you know that Dengue can also be spread through sexual intercourse? No? Same.
According to a CNA report, health authorities in Spain have confirmed the occurrence of the following on 9 November.
A 41-year-old man from Madrid contracted dengue after engaging in sexual intercourse with his male partner who had the virus. This is the world’s first case of dengue being transmitted through sex.
Partner Had Picked Up the Virus From Trip to Cuba
According to reports, the said partner of the man had previously visited Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Susana Jimenez of Madrid’s public health department said that he had picked up the disease from a mosquito bite. His case was confirmed by doctors in September.
She added that both of the men involved displayed similar flu-like symptoms like high fever and body aches. “His partner presented the same symptoms as him but lighter around ten days earlier, and he had previously visited Cuba and the Dominican Republic,” said Jimenez.
An analysis of their sperm revealed that it was not only dengue that they had, but a virus that is native to Cuba.
First Sexual Transmission of Dengue Through Same-Sex Intercourse
Several organisations have come up to speak about the topic. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), mentioned that it was the first case of sexual transmission of the virus among men who have sex with men.
As the saying goes, prevention is key. Let’s keep in mind to always protect ourselves from dengue by ensuring that our homes are mosquito free! Do yourselves a favour and stock up on your mosquito repellants. Last but not least, no glove no love.
(That means use a condom, guys)
