How Can I Avoid Dengue?

Do you know what is dengue fever?

Are you aware of dengue's symptoms?

Do you know how it spreads?

Do you know how to avoid mosquito bites?

Do you know the most active times of mosquitos?

Are you aware of preventive measures?

Dengue fever is caused by a virus borne by mosquitos and it is believed that around 400 million people get infected with dengue every year. Though this disease is mild for the most part, it can also be fatal in some people, especially those with existing conditions. According to the CDC, it is highly prevalent in tropical countries like India and Brazil that have a heavy and defined monsoon season. Since mosquitos breed in freshwater, dengue starts right after the monsoon ends, as the mosquitos breed in the pools of water that get collected due to rain. That said, dengue is prevalent in about 100 countries around the world today.

Some of the common symptoms of dengue are high fever, severe headache, low white cell count, rashes, muscle pain, joint, and eye pain. These symptoms are common and mostly indicate only a mild infection. But if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, red spots, pale and cold skin, breathing difficulty, and blood vomiting, you have to get medical help right away.

Dengue fever is spread when the Aedes mosquito bites an infected person and then goes and bites a healthy person. Remember, this virus has no impact at all on the mosquito and it is a mere carrier of the virus. This is how dengue spreads from one person to another.

since mosquitos are the carrier of the dengue virus, you can protect yourself from dengue when you avoid mosquito bites. The best ways to do that are to use a repellant and use mosquito nets, especially at night while sleeping. Some natural oils like eucalyptus and lemongrass are known to repel mosquitos, but they have not been backed by science. So, the best way to avoid dengue is to avoid mosquito bites.

Aedes mosquitoes tend to be most active during dawn and dusk, so make sure you wear full-sleeved shirts and pants during this time. Also, keep the windows and doors closed to prevent them from entering your place, especially in the evenings. Stay away from areas that have stagnant freshwater to avoid getting in contact with mosquitos.

There is no treatment for dengue and a person recovers only with supportive care. Take medical attention if your symptoms get worse by the day. Similarly, there is no vaccine available for dengue, though some trials look promising in Asia. There are no known timelines and no one knows when it will be available in the world and the United States, in particular.

Excellent, follow them as some communities have followed age-old practices in keeping dengue at bay. If you know of any such practice, go ahead, and try it out.