08

No, I’m not kidding! However, it’s even more terrifying to realise that one is still susceptible to dengue fever, even if you’ve experienced dengue fever more than once. So, if you’re reading this and starting to get paranoid, I don’t blame you. An Aedes mosquito just needs to contract the dengue virus before spreading it to others (Ouch). I swear to God that the second time I was diagnosed with the same type of dengue fever by the doctor, I thought I was never going to make it through.

It was early one morning in September when I wasn’t exactly sure whether I was imagining my fever because I somehow managed to make it to the dining area from my bedroom upstairs. However, it was only when I sat on the dining chair to have breakfast that I realised something wasn’t quite right. I decided to break the news to my parents. As I expected, they responded with an “Alamak, don’t tell me”.
What about the fact that it was the first day of a public exam? Eventually, I went for the paper, even if my body temperature kept fluctuating.

Once I was done with all my papers, I started experiencing some other symptoms. I kept vomiting, more precisely, twice per hour. I had the aching feeling behind my eyes. I could barely move, as my muscles and joints were painful.

It was also awkward that I had stomach pain. It turned out to be stomach cramps that symbolised the transition from a young girl into an adolescent. What timing!

But one thing was certain: I needed to consult the doctor to confirm my diagnosis. So, we went to the nearest hospital.

To try and ease anxiety, the doctor on-duty said, “We’ll need to run a blood test, only then we can determine whether it’s dengue fever.” Not like it was something new to me.

Once the blood test results were out, my worst fears were confirmed. It’s dengue fever… again. Apparently, there is a four-year cycle. In my case, it’s accurate! He later added that I’ll be forever immune to the type of dengue fever that I had. That’s some reassurance right there!

I was then placed on the much-dreaded hospital drip, wheeled into the ward, and given my necessary doses of paracetamol. Ah, hello again, my favourite private hospital.

Little did I know that there were two others from the same school who were admitted for the same reason! So, I found the courage to say hello to them. What a way to celebrate the end of a public exam. Nonetheless, it brought us closer.

Ever since the hospitalisations, my parents and I have been extra-cautious about possible breeding grounds and menacing mosquitoes, especially if we’re near unhygienic, sandy areas like a construction site. At least there are some effective mosquito repellents and patches available in the market today. Mosquito nets are also not uncommon. Natural remedies like air gamat are apparently helpful, according to a former maid of mine.   Even then, I never rely on them completely. No matter what we say about mosquitoes, they are part of the ecology.