Dengue fever is a viral disease impacting public health in India, especially during monsoon season. It is transmitted by bite from infected Aedes mosquitoes. It causes many health problems including asympatomatic infection, dengue fever, dengue haemmorhagic fever / dengue shock syndrome. No specific antiviral therapy or any llicensed vaccine is available for management of dengue infection. It is quite logical to try prevention of dengue infection to stay healthy.
Ways to Avoid Dengue FeverReduce Mosquito HabitatThe mosquitoes which breed dengue thrive in stagnant water containing objects like tyres, plastic covers, flowerpots, pet’s water bowls, etc. Reducing the habitat available for these mosquitoes (by getting rid of stagnant water to breed) can help prevent dengue.
Stay in well-screened housesEnsure that the windows are closed properly or the door screens do not contain any holes. This would eliminate the chances of any mosquitoes entering the house. Mosquitoes responsible for spreading vector-borne diseases are most active between the time period dawn to dusk. Keep all your windows and shutters closed during this time.
Clothing to wear Wear protective clothing like long sleeves and pants inside and outside the house most especially if you know that there is a dengue outbreak in your area.
Use Mosquito Repellents & Mosquito-net Using mosquito repellents can help repel mosquitoes from biting you. Apply mosquito repellent creams on your body when travelling to tropical destinations and even when you are indoors. Sleeping under the mosquito net can provide you and your children a double layer of protection from being bitten by mosquitoes.
Avoid Water StagnationDon’t allow water to collect in empty containers, storing potential vessels where water might collect upside down, or by tightly closing the mouth of such vessels. Any water collected has to be drained on a regular basis. The water from flower pots should be changed regularly.
Time Your OutingsIt is not necessary that you catch dengue fever in your home only. It can even happen during your camping trip on a humid day or when you are out for a walk on a rainy day. Time your trips depending on the weather and take all mosquito repellent arsenal with you starting from creams to netted sleeping bags and so on.
To confront the recurring Public Health crisis, we must adopt a comprehensive approach that encompasses surveillance, vector control and public awareness. The public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in empowering communities to take preventive measures against dengue. Simple actions such as eliminating stagnant water, using mosquito nets, and wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
(Dr. Rajinder Kumar Singal, Principal Director & HOD – Internal Medicine, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi)
Ways to Avoid Dengue FeverReduce Mosquito HabitatThe mosquitoes which breed dengue thrive in stagnant water containing objects like tyres, plastic covers, flowerpots, pet’s water bowls, etc. Reducing the habitat available for these mosquitoes (by getting rid of stagnant water to breed) can help prevent dengue.
Stay in well-screened housesEnsure that the windows are closed properly or the door screens do not contain any holes. This would eliminate the chances of any mosquitoes entering the house. Mosquitoes responsible for spreading vector-borne diseases are most active between the time period dawn to dusk. Keep all your windows and shutters closed during this time.
Clothing to wear Wear protective clothing like long sleeves and pants inside and outside the house most especially if you know that there is a dengue outbreak in your area.
Use Mosquito Repellents & Mosquito-net Using mosquito repellents can help repel mosquitoes from biting you. Apply mosquito repellent creams on your body when travelling to tropical destinations and even when you are indoors. Sleeping under the mosquito net can provide you and your children a double layer of protection from being bitten by mosquitoes.
Avoid Water StagnationDon’t allow water to collect in empty containers, storing potential vessels where water might collect upside down, or by tightly closing the mouth of such vessels. Any water collected has to be drained on a regular basis. The water from flower pots should be changed regularly.
Time Your OutingsIt is not necessary that you catch dengue fever in your home only. It can even happen during your camping trip on a humid day or when you are out for a walk on a rainy day. Time your trips depending on the weather and take all mosquito repellent arsenal with you starting from creams to netted sleeping bags and so on.
To confront the recurring Public Health crisis, we must adopt a comprehensive approach that encompasses surveillance, vector control and public awareness. The public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in empowering communities to take preventive measures against dengue. Simple actions such as eliminating stagnant water, using mosquito nets, and wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
(Dr. Rajinder Kumar Singal, Principal Director & HOD – Internal Medicine, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi)
