Dengue is a viral disease that is caused by mosquitoes. It is transmitted by female mosquitoes, which is widespread throughout the tropics, along with local variations that include risk influenced by climate parameters along with social and environmental factors. With the rise in dengue cases, we have gathered different anti-dengue practices that can protect you from this mosquito-borne viral disease.
This disease has rapidly spread across the world, including Pakistan. With a total of more than 41,746 cases being reported of which 25,932 cases are confirmed and the floods that occurred this year have affected many regions of our country specifically Sindh and Balochistan resulting in an outbreak of the dengue virus.
Sadly, there is no vaccine or cure for dengue and the patients are generally treated for the symptoms they show. However, there are ways you can employ to protect yourself and everyone around you from dengue, and you can do it by practicing a few simple yet effective tips.
Symptoms Of Dengue
Below are a few symptoms that one might come across while having mild dengue:
- Eye pain (this usually occurs behind the eyes)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bone, muscle, or joint pain
- Headache
- Rash
As there is also severe dengue which means that patient needs to be taken into immediate doctor’s care. We have listed a few warning signs of severe dengue:
- Feeling irritated, restless, or tired
- Bleeding either from the nose, or gums
- Belly or stomach aches – tenderness
- Vomiting (at least three times in 24 hours)
- Blood in vomiting or in stool
How To Keep Your Home Save From Dengue
1- Keep Your Doors And Windows Shut Or Purchase Insect Screens
Try to keep your windows and doors closed as much as you can, this is a good way of preventing mosquitoes and other types of insects from getting inside however this isn’t always the most practical idea.
People normally like to keep their houses ventilated by opening all the windows, especially in cities like Karachi, and if you are one of them, then you should consider investing in high-quality insect screens. It allows the air to pass through your space without allowing the mosquitoes to enter inside.
But, this method is only effective if the doors and windows are screened, this includes the gaps under your air vents and doors. The screen must be checked on a regular basis to make sure that the tears are fixed as the screens are big enough for mosquitoes along with other insects to pass through.
2- Be Observant
If any of your family members get dengue, be extra attentive. A mosquito that has already bitten one family member and then bites others can spread the virus effortlessly, also it isn’t unusual for different members of the same family or household to get dengue at the same time.
Clean all the areas that could be the potential source of breeding, and spray insect repellent on regular basis. You can also hire professionals for anti-dengue fumigation for your house and surrounding. Also, if your area has been given dengue fumigation then there are chances that maybe a few dengue cases from your area have been reported – stay careful!
3- Avoid Mosquitoes Habitats
Dengue mosquitoes also known as Aedes mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water; the eggs only take seven to ten days to hatch and develop into fully-grown mosquitoes. Hence, the most effective way to prevent getting dengue at home after fumigation services is to ensure that there aren’t any mosquito habitats.
You can do this by:
- Discarding or storing anything that can accommodate water
- Regular cleaning of anything that is exposed to or can store water, for instance, pots, flower vases, pet food containers, drainage areas, and discarded plastic containers.
- Closing the water collection points with a fish mesh or a cover to make sure mosquitoes can’t get into the water and lay their eggs.
4- Protect Your Skin From Mosquitoes
For indoor safety, you can use electric mosquito repellents to protect your skin from mosquito bites. If you are heading outside, spray any insect repellent spray on your bare skin. Ensure to check the ingredients to know whether the spray is safe for the skin.
Alternatively, you can wear full sleeves tops and long pants, ideally in neutral colors such as light gray, white and beige; do not forget to spray insect repellent over your clothes!
Conclusion
Without an effective cure for dengue, the best way to protect yourself is by taking tactical steps above and preventing getting infected by dengue viral. By protecting ourselves, we also protect others from getting affected by dengue, and the easiest yet most effective way to do so is by working as a community to make sure that everyone is safe. Start today, by getting anti-dengue fumigation services.
