Curious that Zika is getting the attention dengue did not

The Zika outbreak is creating a buzz in Singapore. The sales of mosquito repellents are an indication of this (“Repellent sales in Bedok spike as Zika spreads”; Sept 2).

The Singapore Contractors Association’s advisory to its members and the handing out of insect repellents on work sites are positive signs. Also, the Health Ministry and the National Environment Agency are working jointly on this matter.

I think the responses are worth noting. First, not many people are as bothered about dengue even though it is more fatal than Zika and has infected more than 11,000 people here this year. Zika has affected 200-odd people.

Yet, it is the same mosquito transmitting both diseases. With everyone showing a willingness now to eradicate the mosquito, I am hopeful that dengue (and Zika) will be a lesser issue next year.

Second, communication experts could find out why the public is suddenly more concerned with Zika than dengue. Such a study could uncover triggers that sensitise Singaporeans to an outbreak of one disease versus another.

The relevant authorities could use the right triggers in future communications to manage outbreaks such as dengue or even tuberculosis.