Each year, with the onset of Monsoon, Dengue emerges as one of the most dreaded diseases in India. Dengue is caused when a person is bitten by an infected female ‘Aedes aegypti’ mosquito which commonly breeds in stagnant water.
Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor has reportedly become the latest victim of Dengue and if reports are to be believed, a fortnight ago, BMC officials had found mosquito breeding spots at his Pali Hill residence.
Incidents like these only reaffirm the fact that everyone is susceptible to Dengue and its time that we take notice and make necessary changes to protect ourselves.
Here are a few practical measures that can help you keep this illness at bay:
- Since stagnant water is the breeding ground for ‘Aedes aegypti’ mosquitoes, it is imperative for members of every household to empty & clean all containers, pots, buckets, utensils, tubs, tanks etc., at least once a week. It is also important to repair leaking pipes/taps so as to prevent water accumulation. Also, do not over water potted plants.
- Use a good quality mosquito repellant on a daily basis. Regardless of the fact that you are indoors or outdoors, you must apply a mosquito repellant to those areas of the skin that are exposed not just during the day but at night too.
- Ensure that there is no tear/rip in your door/window screens. If you do find one, immediately repair the same so as to block the entry of mosquitoes in your home. It is advisable to put up a mosquito net on your windows.
Please Note – Mosquitoes infected with Dengue virus are active during the daytime as well hence be extremely alert and do everything possible to restrict their entry in your house - If you use an air cooler, make sure to empty and clean the water tray from time to time, even if not in use
- Your trash cans and dust bin should be covered properly at all times
- Try to wear loose outfits that cover most parts of your body, especially when venturing outdoors so as to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- It would be a good idea to place a Tulsi plant near the window or within your balcony. This plant is a natural mosquito repellant and can be of great help in keeping them at bay. Similarly, camphor can also be used to prevent mosquitoes from breeding within your home. Create a mosquito free environment in your home by lighting camphor in each room with all doors closed for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use mosquito coils or plug-in mosquito repellent devices.
Although there is no clear treatment for Dengue, nor is there a vaccine against it, this illness is completely preventable. Dengue Prevention is every person’s responsibility. Each of us has a key role to play in keeping our home & surroundings clean and larvae-free.
If you know someone who is already experiencing the symptoms of Dengue (severe headache, pain behind the eyes, high fever, muscle & joint pain, nausea & vomiting), get them Immediate Medical Attention
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital offers Special Services for the Management of highly Infectious Diseases like Malaria, Dengue, Typhoid, etc. To know more, visit:
https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/internalmedicine.html
