Monsoon brings with it joy and new life. But it also enables the growth of many harmful insects especially disease-causing mosquitoes. Dengue is a very common fever among Indians. It is caused by the bite of the female Aedes mosquito. This mosquito usually thrives in moist and dark places. Dengue fever affects many people every year. The mosquito starts breeding from the onset of monsoons and breeds till later months after monsoon ends.
The Indian government and many other organizations have issued warnings and steps to be followed to keep Aedes away from localities and societies. As prevention is always better than cure; let’s look at some essential precautionary measures to be inhabited by us especially during and after the monsoon.
1. No water collection
The most important dengue fever precaution is to leave no space for stagnant water. Keep empty vessels and bucket overturned. Cover the ones used for storing water with proper lids. The breeding cycle of this mosquito is completed in standing water which hasn’t been replaced for days. So make sure not to leave any water collecting vessel unattended for days.
2. Precautions for plant owner
Don’t overwater your potted plants. The excess water isn’t absorbed by plants and it remains on the soil’s surface. this can provide a place for Aedes to grow. It is suggested not to keep floating plants (that require constant water) inside or outside the house.
3. Cleanliness
Maintaining cleanliness in the surroundings is also indispensable. As its monsoon, people use water coolers to escape the heat. These coolers are damp, dark, and full of water thus can be easily inhabited by mosquitoes. A strong emphasis is laid on cleaning these coolers once every 2-3 days to keep mosquitoes at bay. The vessels of domestic pets and water bowls kept for birds should also be cleaned and washed regularly. Keep dustbins clean.
4. Repairing and mending
Any leaking water pipes or taps should be repaired before the onset of monsoons. Broken septic tanks should also be mended. Vent pipes that are moist and dark should be covered by wire mesh to restrict the entry of mosquitoes.
5. Proper clothes
Wearing proper clothes like full-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, pants instead of shorts, closed-toe sandals or shoes instead of slippers, and using hats and scarfs is also a preventive technique to keep away mosquito bites.
6. Repellents
Using mosquito repellents or wearing patches is extremely suitable for those stepping out of the house especially during the evening. Before sleeping also, repellent creams or mosquito nets can be used for protection and peaceful sleep. Light camphor to repel mosquitoes.
There is a dengue sanitizer that is sprayed every few days in all localities by the government. This medicine mixes with air and kills the breeding Aedes mosquitoes. Whenever this medicine is being sprayed in your society, open all your doors and windows, and allow it to come inside. If you don’t like its smell, then cover your face with a mask but don’t close your doors. It is an easy way to eradicate the mosquitoes present around you.
7. Shut doors and windows
Usually, these mosquitoes bite in the evening and nights. So to keep them out of your house, close all the doors and windows in the evening around 6 ‘o’clock.
8. No darkness
As darkness is their preferred tool for breeding and biting, it is better to keep the places laminated. Turn on the lights to avoid darkness in the house.
9. Avoid visiting dengue prone areas
The areas where dengue is prominent is called a dengue cluster. Before stepping out of your house, make sure you are not visiting a dengue prone area. They have a dense population of Aedes mosquito and there are high chances of you being infected. If you are residing in a dengue cluster, then take special care of your home and surroundings. Avoid leaving your home as much as possible. Take extra precautions while storing water and clean your home regularly.
10. Special attention
Take special care of toddlers and children. Tell them not to go in dark corners of the house like behind the refrigerator, curtains, beds, etc.
Also, take care of the elderly. They have a weak immune system and thus are at higher risk of getting affected by dengue.
The surprising fact about the Aedes mosquito is that it thrives in clean water. Thus it is more important to pay attention to clean water that we collect for our domestic and other household purposes. Dengue isn’t just a disease. It is a fever who’s after-effects stay with you till a long time. Thus, it is suggested to follow the precautions strictly. If you don’t feel well, get your dengue fever tests done at the earliest. Following these easy precautions can keep the mosquitoes away and ensures your safety.
