Dengue fever is caused by a mosquito-borne virus, which affects more than 390 million people each year. The disease, though mild, becomes deadly if no or inappropriate preventive measures are considered. In Pakistan, 10,000 cases have so far been reported at hospitals. Although the government has initiated multiple preventive measures at all levels, there is a critical need to sensitize the public through rigorous awareness campaigns.
In this article, we will discuss how dengue fever spreads, its symptoms, treatment procedures, and top preventive tips and tricks to keep it out of your life.
The dengue virus spreads following the given cycle:
Name Aedes Aegypti mosquito
Threat of dengue attack Year round
Victims Both humans and animals
Look Dark coloured, with white lyre-shaped markings and banded legs
Breeding place Water containers (usually with a wide opening and dark colour) and plants near your households
Breeding cycle 7-8 days (from egg to adult)
Adult mosquito life span Three weeks
Favorite season Summers, monsoon
Biting behaviour Primarily, bites during the day; remains active for two hours after sunrise, and a few hours before sunset. It usually bites on ankles and elbows.
According to CDC,
The symptoms can be grouped into two major categories: typical symptoms and dangerous symptoms.
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever; however, you may consider the following:
A vaccine named Dengvaxia was approved by FDA in 2019 to prevent dengue fever among adolescents aged between 9-16 years, who had once remained infected with the disease. There is unfortunately no vaccine for protecting the general population
We all agree that prevention is much better than cure; but how effective are our preventive measures or how effectively do we adopt them, is a matter of debate. Here are some tips that will keep dengue-borne mosquitos away from your life.
Dengue-borne mosquitoes usually bite after sunrise and before sunset. It is advisable to use any good quality mosquito deterrent to prevent the forthcoming trouble. Some are advised here:
Dengue-borne mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, primarily in fresh water. Get rid of collection of water in the form of puddles, pools, water pots, drains, or filled water pails, as these are readily available places for mosquito breeding. Pails should be turned upside down after use, and no water is to be left contained. Secondly, if you cannot remove a pool or collection of water yourself, at least add some kerosene oil to it and inform the relevant authorities.
Even if you remove water from your containers, scrub and clean their interior nicely to remove eggs or larvae, in case there are any. In the case of water tanks or other household water reservoirs, try to cover them properly.
One of the best strategies to prevent dengue fever is to wear protective cloths. Try to cover as much of your body as possible, especially during the two sensitive timings. You may consider wearing long sleeves, socks, covered shoes, and long trousers, etc. Additionally, wear light-coloured dresses during the peak season, as these are less attractive to mosquitoes.
Before taking up any remedial action, why not to shut the doors to keep the mosquito-borne virus away from our households? Try to keep your doors and windows closed, particularly, during the specific two timings when threat from dengue increases. It is also suggested that netting should be fixed in the doors and windows to limit the entry of flying insects. Since toddlers and infants are more vulnerable, always fix mosquito nets around their beds, carts and other types of holders.
In an effort to maximise the layers of self-defence against dengue mosquitoes, try to keep your surroundings tidy and clean. You may consider doing the following:
Viral infections and diseases can be avoided by being careful with our daily routines. These tips will surely help in mitigating every chance of becoming a victim to dengue fever. Read, exercise and let us know the results.
Stay clean, stay healthy!
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