Beat the mosquito bite
Dengue is plaguing India at an alarming rate. According to the 2016 National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme reports, India witnessed 45,490 dengue cases, and 88 deaths associated with dengue. Dengue has now been declared endemic – a disease that circulates throughout the year irrespective of season – with its prevalence in central, northern and eastern India.
Dengue Buzzes
While microbiologists have been studying the disease pattern and declare that it no longer has a season, cities across have reported a spike in occurrence during and post monsoons. This has been attributed to the proliferation of the main virus vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti, which thrives in stagnant water and damp weather. Thus, the months of August and September have continued to witness a rise in the dengue cases reported.
Dr. Om Shrivastav, an infectious disease consultant in Mumbai, said, “If there is pooling of water, there will be breeding of mosquitoes. There is a definite rise in the cases of dengue.” Another well-known physician, Dr. Sushila Kataria, Division of Internal Medicine, Medanta the Medicity, is of the opinion that the incidence of dengue has been getting worse every year, and that, this year, there will at least be a 25% hike in the number of dengue cases.
Research is being conducted to develop vaccinations against dengue; however, currently only the symptoms can be treated. The disease can be extremely painful and exhausting, and in extreme cases, may cause death of the patient. Therefore, staying protected is the best way to beat the disease.
Tips for Protection against Dengue
Wear clothes that cover your body entirely, to prevent mosquito bites. Apply insect repellent to your clothes to stay safer. Use mosquito nets if required, especially for infants and elderly.
Keep your house dry and clean always. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, ensure that you empty water containers, buckets, etc. when not needed. Also, make sure that the plants inside and around your house or office is not over-watered and water does not stagnate in pots. Ensure that the garbage bins at home and office are always covered and are disposed timely.
Make sure that windows and doors do not have cracks that allow the entry of mosquitoes. Shut doors and windows during the early morning and evening hours.
The Centre for Disease Control has recommended a mixture of lemon oil and eucalyptus oil to keep mosquitoes away. Growing a tulsi plant in the house is considered yet another natural way of repelling the vector.
Despite the various precautionary measures, one may contract the disease. Since persistent high fever along with body ache, headache, etc. are the common symptoms, it is advised to seek immediate medical care in case such symptoms are observed. Remember, with right and timely medical attention, the mortality rate of dengue is as low as 1 in 100.
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