What is Dengue?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease,which is transmitted by female mosquitoes belonging to a specific type of species. These mosquitoes are also carriers of chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika viruses. Dengue fever is a severe, flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but rarely causes death. The symptoms of dengue last for 2–7 days, after an incubation period of 4–10 days after the bite from an infected mosquito. The World Health Organization classifies dengue into 2 major categories: dengue (with / without warning signs) and severe dengue.

Dengue is suspected when a high fever (104°F) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms during the feverish phase:

• severe headache
• pain behind the eyes
• muscle and joint pains
• nausea
• vomiting
• swollen glands
• rash

Severe dengue refers to when a patient enters the critical phase about 3-7 days after onset of the illness. It is at this time, when the fever is dropping (below 100°F) that warning signs associated with severe dengue can manifest. Severe dengue is a potentially fatal complication, due to plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress,severe bleeding, or organ impairment.

Warning signs to look for include:

• severe abdominal pain
• persistent vomiting
• rapid breathing
• bleeding gums
• fatigue
• restlessness
• blood in vomit

What Steps to Take for Prevention?

Protecting yourself and your loved ones against dengue fever during this monsoon season should be your top priority. Considering the upcoming forecast for this week, please ensure that you are taking the adequate precautions to protect yourself against mosquito bites, prevent mosquito breeding inside and outside your home and avoid visiting areas prone to mosquitoes. If you live in a neighborhood identified as mosquito-prone, or if you are visiting such an area, please ensure that you are:

• Apply mosquito repellent.
  1. Apply it to exposed skin and/or clothing, using enough to cover the entire area. Do not apply it under clothing.
  2. Do not apply it on cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
  3. Do not apply it near the eyes or mouth, and apply carefully around ears.
  4. When using sprays, never spray directly on the face. Spray it on your hands first and then apply it to your face. Wash your hands afterwards.
  5. Do not allow children to handle a repellent. When using it on children, apply it to your own hands first and then put it on the child. Avoid applying it to children’s hands.
  6. Do not use an insect repellent for infants under two months of age.

• Wear long-sleeves and long pants to cover your arms and legs.

• Use mosquito nets or repellents while sleeping.

• Preventing mosquitoes from breeding both inside and outside your home.
  1. Inside the house, these mosquitoes commonly breed in ornamental and other containers, plant pot trays and plates, and canvas or plastic sheets.
  2. Outside the home, mosquitoes can breed in boundary drains and discarded containers.
  3. Daily: Use insecticide sprays in dark corners (under the bed, sofa and behind curtains, etc.). Turn over all water storage containers when empty and store them under a shelter. Cover bamboo pole holders when not in use. Loosen soil in potted plants to prevent accumulation of stagnant water on surface.
  4. Alternate days: Change water in vases/bowls. Remove water from flower/plant pot plates
  5. Weekly: Clear fallen leaves and stagnant water in drains and in the garden. Clear any stagnant water in air conditioning units.
  6. 5 Step Process: Follow a simple five step process to ensue mosquitoes are not breeding inside or outside your home.
     1. Change water in vases/bowls on alternate days.
     2. Turn over all water storage containers.
     3. Remove water from flower pot plates on alternate days.
     4. Cover bamboo pole holders when not in use.
  7. Clear blockages and put insecticide in gutters monthly.