Precautionary Steps To Avoid Dengue Fever And Other Mosquito Borne Diseases

Diseases, such as Zika, chikungunya, yellow fever, and dengue, can easily be transmitted by mosquitoes. Dengue has the highest risk of mortality among these diseases. It is the quickest to spread across the world. During the monsoon season, the risk of getting dengue significantly increases because this is the time wherein the breeding of mosquitoes, that transmit the diseases, is promoted. Luckily, some steps can be taken to prevent dengue fever.

Yearly, an average of 390 million dengue infections is noted. Majority of the patients are from tropical and sub-tropical countries. Mosquitoes have been mistakenly known by people as the pathogen behind dengue. The truth is that; mosquitoes just carry the virus that causes the disease. Flu-Like symptoms after four to seven days can be experienced by a person who was bitten by a carrier.

Dengue symptoms include:

1. High-grade fever with chills
2. Weakness
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. Intense headaches
6. Joint and muscle pain
7. Skin rashes
8. Internal or external bleeding
   
   

With proper management, this viral illness can go away within two weeks. But, there is also chance that dengue can take a turn for the worst. Once this happens, it can develop into de dengue hemorrhagic syndrome or dengue shock syndrome, which can be fatal.

Precautionary steps to avoid dengue is necessary since there are a limited number of treatments available for this disease. Here are some of the tips you can follow to prevent this diseases:

Clearing Out Mosquito Breeding Grounds

Though mosquitoes only live for a short time, they can easily multiply and replenish their population. They prefer laying their eggs in containers filled with stagnant water like vases, gutters, fountains, pots, street drains, and barrels. These breeding areas must be cleared out. Trashes such as tires and unused bottles should be discarded because when it rains, water accumulates in them. Doing this at least once a week won’t give mosquitoes the opportunity to breed.

Wearing Protective Clothes

As much as possible, cover your body when you go outdoors in order for you to keep your skin from mosquito bites. Since mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, wearing light-colored clothes reduces your chance of contacting with mosquitoes.

Reducing Alcohol Intake

Mosquitoes are more attractive to people who drink alcohol. This is mainly due to the increase in body temperature as well as the secretion of alcohol in sweat.

Applying Mosquito Repellents

To keep mosquitoes away, natural repellents such as cinnamon, citronella, tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus oil, thyme oil, and Greek catnip oil can be applied on exposed skin.

Using Protective Equipment In The House

Install screen for your doors and windows or keep them closed at all times. Aside from this, potential contact with mosquitoes can also be reduced by using an air conditioner and a mosquito net, especially while sleeping.

You can effectively reduce your risk not just for dengue but for other mosquito-borne diseases if you follow these preventive steps.