How to Prevent Dengue Fever in the Rainy Season

Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever is a mosquito-borne disease that occurs in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Mild dengue fever causes a high fever and flu-like symptoms. Severe dengue fever, meanwhile, can cause serious bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure (shock), or even death.

Dengue fever is caused by one of four types of Dengue Virus. We cannot catch this disease simply by being around an infected person, because it is transmitted through mosquito bites. The two mosquitoes that can transmit this virus are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These two types of mosquito, which most often spread the Dengue Virus, are commonly found both inside and around residential areas. When a mosquito bites a person infected with the dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito. Then, when the infected mosquito bites another person, the virus enters that person's bloodstream and causes infection.

After a person recovers from this disease, they will have long-term immunity against the type of virus that infected them, but not against the other three types of dengue virus. This means we can be infected again in the future by one of the other three types. Our risk of developing a severe form of the disease increases if we get dengue fever for the second, third, or fourth time. The disease can cause a high fever of up to 40 degrees Celsius. In addition, some other symptoms include headache, muscle, bone or joint pain, nausea and vomiting, pain behind the eyes, swollen glands, and rash.

Warning signs of severe dengue fever, which is an emergency, can develop quickly. The warning signs usually begin in the first day or two after the fever subsides, and include: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in urine, stool, or vomit, bleeding under the skin that looks like bruising, difficult or rapid breathing, fatigue, irritability or restlessness.

The World Health Organization emphasises that a vaccine alone is not an effective tool for reducing dengue fever in areas where the disease frequently breaks out. Preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquito populations remain the main methods for preventing the spread of dengue fever.

If we live in or travel to areas where this disease is common, the following tips can help reduce the risk of mosquito bites. First, use air conditioning or mosquito nets fitted over ventilation openings and beds. In addition, mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus are most active from dawn to dusk, but they can also bite at night. Second, wear protective clothing when we go to mosquito-infested areas: wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, socks, and shoes.

Third, use mosquito repellents such as permethrin, because they can be applied to clothing, shoes, camping gear, and mosquito nets. We can also buy clothing that is made with permethrin already in it. For the skin, use a repellent containing at least 10 percent DEET concentration.

Fourth, reduce mosquito habitats by covering standing water. Mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus usually live in and around houses, breeding in standing water that can collect in used car tyres. We can help reduce the mosquito population by eliminating the habitats where they lay their eggs. At least once a week, empty and clean containers that hold standing water, such as planters, pet dishes, and flower vases. Keep water containers covered between cleanings. These are some of the ways to prevent dengue fever in the rainy season.

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