Dengue Prevention Tips

What is Dengue?

Dengue is an acute viral infection transmitted through a bite of a dengue-carrying mosquito (infected female Aedes mosquito).

It has four (4) virus types: DENV 1, DENV 2, DENV 3 and DENV 4.

Where do dengue mosquitoes live and breed?

Dengue mosquitoes are usually in dark places and they breed in clear stagnant water. The metamorphosis from larvae to mosquito usually takes 10-12 days. Dengue carrying mosquitoes are “day biters” and frequents 2 hours before the sun sets.

What are the symptoms of dengue?

Dengue can be life threatening when not managed early. Seek early consultation when experiencing any of these symptoms:

• High fever
• Skin flushing
• Bleeding (Nose, gums, stool, urine or menstruation)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

How can dengue fever be prevented?

There are preventive measures to protect us from dengue-carrying mosquitoes:

• Search and destroy
  • Dengue mosquitoes breed on stagnant water. Any container that could hold water should always be drained or disposed properly.
  • Always keep your surroundings clean.
• Self-protection
  • Always wear mosquito repellants, long-sleeved shirts, pants or garment that could cover your skin.
  • For your home, make sure all windows have screens and fix it if there are holes. Use mosquito repellant coils or sprays.
• Fogging
  • Fogging kills and repels mosquitoes. This should be done during outbreaks and during peak biting times.

References:

1. Department of Health
   • https://www.doh.gov.ph/node/16849
   • https://www.doh.gov.ph/national-dengue-prevention-and-control-program
2. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
   • https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/prevention/index.html