Dengue fever is an endemic in many tropical countries, including those in Southeast Asia. The region has seen a resurgence of the disease in recent years. Singapore reported over 5500 cases and seven fatalities within the first four months of 2024 alone. Indonesia saw nearly 18000 cases in January 2024, prompting alerts in regions like West Java’s Cianjur regency. Malaysia experienced an 86 percent increase in dengue cases in 2023, with over 123000 cases reported. Worldwide, WHO has reported 7.6 million cases in the first quarter of 2024 and 3000 deaths from Dengue Fever, with transmissions occurring in more than 90 countries.
This mosquito-borne viral infection, transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, poses substantial risks not only to public health but also to business operations and workforce productivity. The direct and indirect costs associated with dengue, such as healthcare expenses, productivity losses, and preventive measures, can be considerable. Businesses in affected regions must recognise these potential impacts and implement comprehensive strategies to mitigate them.
Moreover, there are signs that the risk of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases is set to grow in the foreseeable future. The International SOS Risk Outlook 2024 identifies dengue as a major health risk that has been exacerbated by climate change, which extends the mosquito breeding season and increases the geographic spread of the disease. Higher temperatures and increased rainfall and urbanisation have significantly contributed to this rise, expanding the areas where dengue can thrive.
In the face of these growing risks, it becomes paramount that businesses continue to extend their Duty of Care to employees, to either prevent the spread of these viral diseases, or equip employees with the right knowledge and skills to mitigate their impact.
Dengue Prevention in the Workplace
Implementing effective dengue prevention measures in the workplace requires a multifaceted approach centred around prevention, mitigation, and care. However, the approach relies on strong leadership commitment and active employee engagement to foster a business culture that prioritises of health and well-being. Conscientious and considerate application of these strategies, tailored to suit an organisation’s unique business operations, is essential to cutting down on productivity costs associated with dengue outbreaks.
There are proactive steps businesses can take to ensure that their workplaces are safe from dengue. Management of mosquito breeding sites is the key to prevention of Dengue. Given the influence of environmental factors, it is crucial that businesses maintain regular inspections to identify and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites such as standing water and clogged drains.
Aedes mosquitoes can breed in any collection of stagnant water, including roof gutters, storm drains, flower pots, discarded containers, buckets, used tyres, plastic bottles, and tree hollows. These breeding sites are commonly found in urban areas, and preventing Dengue will be challenging unless the entire community is mobilised to locate and eliminate these potential breeding grounds.
Using mosquito repellents and insecticides around the workplace and improving infrastructure to minimise water accumulation are also vital steps. Leveraging technology such as data analytics to predict outbreaks and innovative solutions like smart traps to monitor mosquito populations can also significantly enhance prevention efforts.
Additionally, educating employees through awareness campaigns about the risks of dengue and preventive measures, such as wearing long sleeves and using repellents, further extends the protection employers can offer to their workforce by ensuring they implement best practices in their homes too.
The Aedes aegypti, a common Aedes species in Southeast Asia, bites during the day, unlike Anopheles mosquitoes which transmit malaria and feed at night. Aedes mosquitoes thrive both indoors and outdoors, making dengue prevention a collaborative effort between the community and businesses. The Aedes aegypti mosquitoes responsible for spreading dengue may originate not only from workplaces but also from surrounding neighbourhoods and the workers’ homes.
Organisations can employ several mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of dengue should an outbreak occur, thereby maintaining productivity and minimising costs. Health monitoring and support are key components, ensuring that employees have prompt access to medical consultations and treatment.
While there is no specific cure for dengue, businesses can still provide the necessary care and support to affected employees to ensure swift recovery and minimise productivity losses. Ensuring that employees have access to quality healthcare and are given adequate time to recover fully is vital. This approach not only aids in employee well-being but also reduces the overall impact on business operations and costs.
While these strategies may appear to be straightforward, they will only be effective if they are implemented within an organisation’s business operations seamlessly. For instance, a comprehensive business continuity plan is necessary, so that in the event of an outbreak, an organisation can respond quickly to protect their employees’ wellbeing. This may include the preparation of escalation plans and the conduct of simulation exercises with relevant teams. Moreover, it is critical that these plans are communicated effectively within an organisation, so that all employees are aware and prepared.
Some organisations have taken the step to hire a Chief Health Officer, after the height of COVID-19 pandemic, so that their organisations are more resilient to potential disease outbreaks. Others have worked with organisations like International SOS, who can help to review an organisation’s approach to processes such as health risk assessments to emergency response planning. For instance, International SOS has enhanced infectious disease preparedness for organisations by
reviewing and updating their health and safety policies, including those for measles and hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Additionally, International SOS also helps with employee awareness and education through health talks and webinars. Such collaborations ensure robust and adaptable protocols for diseases like HFMD, measles, tuberculosis, and COVID-19, helping businesses maintain resilience and operational efficiency.
Conclusion
The sharp rise in dengue cases across Southeast Asia underscores the urgent need for businesses to enhance their workplace health and safety protocols. By implementing comprehensive dengue prevention measures, educating employees, and leveraging innovative strategies, businesses can safeguard employee well-being and ensure operational resilience. Proactive measures today will protect against the dengue threats of tomorrow.
About the author
Dr David Teo, Regional Medical Director, International SOS oversees the assistance services provided by International SOS Assistance Centres across Asia. He also heads expert teams of Coordinating Doctors and Nurses in these Assistance Centres, ensuring a high level of service across the region.
Dr Teo possesses invaluable experience in medical incident management and disaster relief planning and response. In addition, he conducts medical training, medical audits, evaluations of on-site medical capabilities, and the development of medical emergency response plans for our clients in the region.
