How To Prevent Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever can be fatal in some situations! Symptoms are usually flu-like but can progress to severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever), a potentially fatal illness. Dengue fever can cause high fever, severe joint and muscular pain, body rashes nausea, vomiting and severe headaches.
Dengue fever is common in tropical and subtropical countries in the western Pacific islands, Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The dengue virus causes it, and dengue fever can result in high temperatures and body rashes. Severe dengue fever, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, can result in severe bleeding, a reduction in blood pressure, and even severe consequences.
How can the risk of dengue fever be reduced?
Here are some listed ways that would help you to avoid dengue fever:
1. Reduce mosquito habitat:
Infected mosquitoes that transmit dengue disease thrive in stagnant water such as tyres, plastic covers, plant pots, pet water bowls, or any object capable of storing water in it for a long time. Reducing the habitats available for these mosquitoes to breed (by eliminating stagnant water) can help prevent dengue.
2. Stay in well-screened houses:
Check that the windows are properly closed and that the door screens do not have any gaps. This would eliminate the possibility of mosquitoes entering the houses. Mosquitoes that transmit vector-borne diseases are most active between dawn and night. During this time, keep all of the windows and shutters closed.
3. Use mosquito repellents:
Using mosquito repellents, particularly in tropical places with dense populations, can help keep mosquitoes away. When traveling to tropical areas and even at home, apply mosquito repellent ointment to the skin.
4. Wear protective clothing:
To avoid mosquito bites, wear long-sleeved clothing and thick pants, along with socks and covered shoes. It is recommended to use this type of protective clothing, especially in dengue-infested areas.
5. Sleep under mosquito net:
Sleeping under a mosquito net might give you and your children an extra layer of protection from mosquito bites. It is easy to install and one of the best ways to prevent diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya and also keep away other insects.
6. Do not let water stagnate anywhere:
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water that has not been drained. Empty flower pots, clean and replace the pet's water bowls, avoid keeping any water plants inside the home, ensure that septic tanks and water pipelines are in good condition, and keep any vessels or drums covered that are specially meant to contain water.
7. Keep the house airy and well-lit:
Mosquitoes are usually found in dark and humid environments. Ensure your room or house has plenty of sunlight to prevent mosquitos.
While dengue fever usually disappears in a few weeks, it can cause potentially fatal complications. Because there is no specific therapy for dengue, people should avoid it by using efficient vector control techniques such as insect repellents, emptying all water-filled containers, and proper garbage disposal. People who have dengue symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
