The dengue virus (DENV), which infects humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, is the root cause of the dengue viral infection. While many DENV infections are asymptomatic or only cause mild illness, high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash, DENV can sporadically cause more severe cases and even death. Therefore, according to medical professionals, severe dengue has a significantly reduced fatality rate when it is detected early and treated appropriately.
Among the best recommendations for avoiding dengue are:
• Get rid of breeding places: Standing water is a breeding ground for the Aedes mosquitoes that spread dengue. Check for standing water frequently and get rid of it, especially if it’s in gutters, flower pots, or abandoned containers. Avoid letting water pool inside or outside your home.
• Regular house inspections – To stay watchful and prevent any breeding sites from going unnoticed, regular house inspections by local authorities, building associations, and on your own are essential.
• Use mosquito nets and screens: Use mosquito netting while sleeping, particularly during the day when Aedes mosquitoes are most active. Use screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
• Put on protective clothing: To reduce exposure to mosquitoes when outside, wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes. Additionally, wearing light-colored clothing can assist, as mosquitoes are drawn to dark hues.
• Apply insect repellents on clothing and exposed skin to keep mosquitoes away. Be on the lookout for products like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Observe the directions on the packaging.
• Keep your surroundings tidy: Keep your home and the area around it clean and hygienic. In order to lessen mosquito breeding grounds, trim bushes and shrubs and maintain short grass.
• Keep your home and the area around it airy and well-lighted because mosquitoes typically breed in dimly lit locations. Mosquitoes breed in poorly lighted, neglected regions that may go unnoticed during sanitation inspections, where water collects and provides a favorable environment for the development of mosquito larvae.
• Steer clear of peak mosquito activity: Early morning and late afternoon are the times when Aedes mosquitoes are most active. Stay inside at these periods if you can.
• Avoid odors that attract mosquitoes. Growing peppermint, lemongrass, and eucalyptus around the house will help repel mosquitoes.
• Encourage group action: Collaborate with your neighbors to get rid of breeding places in your neighborhood. Because mosquitoes can travel small distances, group efforts are crucial.