With the increase in dengue cases being reported in Delhi itself, across seasons, it becomes even more important for you take certain measures for prevention of dengue.
Prevention of Dengue Tips
Use these 5 simple tips to protect yourself and loved ones:
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Wear long-sleeved clothes and trousers:
“You should wear long-sleeved clothes and trousers or leggings as much as possible to lower the chances of being bitten by dengue-carrying mosquitoes,” says Dr Mayank Uppal, Consultant Medicine at Sitaram Bhartia.
“Ensure that your kids wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible especially when they are going outside to play in the park.”
Read: Notice Dengue Symptoms in your child? Here’s What You Should Do
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Use mosquito-repellent machines and skin-friendly mosquito repellants:
The peak biting periods are morning and evening time before dusk so you should keep the mosquito-repellent machine on especially during these times.
“Apply mosquito repellant lotions or sprays to aid in prevention of dengue” says Dr Mayank.
Read: डेंगू के लक्षण और 5 आसान होम – केयर टिप्स
“Look for effective, safe and skin-friendly ingredients. Generally, ingredients like DEET and IR3535 are safe to use even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.”
You should always apply the repellent as advised in the instructions. Apply repellants on children yourself ensuring that you avoid their hands, eyes and mouth.
“Avoid repellents on babies younger than 2 months.”
“Repellants containing ingredients like lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) should be avoided for children under 3 years.”
Re-apply these repellents as instructed on the product for continuous protection and prevention of dengue.
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Cover water sources or keep changing the water:
If you have household items like bird baths, bowls, flower vases and other utensils that contain water, you should change their water regularly. These items can otherwise become stagnant water sources in which dengue-mosquitoes breed.Dr Mayank adds, “Apart from changing the water in these items, ensure that they are cleaned and scrubbed to remove any eggs that may have been laid out by Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes.”
If you have open water tanks and buckets, you should cover these containers. This simple dengue prevention tip reduces the risk of dengue by eliminating any possible breeding grounds.
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Keep the doors closed and use net window screens:
You should consider keeping the door and windows closed as much as possible to prevent the entry of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Dr Mayank says, “You can also consider getting a net fixed in your doors and windows to restrict entry of mosquitoes but enable ventilation.”“If you have newborn babies and toddlers, consider fixing mosquito nets around their beds for prevention of dengue.”
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Add kerosene oil to stagnant waters like water coolers:
If you have water coolers, add kerosene oil to the water in it.
Dr Mayank explains, “Kerosene oil has an ability to spread and create a thin film on water surfaces. This creates a barrier for respiration and the larvae or the eggs laid by the mosquitoes are killed due to suffocation.”
Conclusion
A clean and healthy surrounding leads to healthy homes and people.
Dr Mayank concludes, “If you notice stagnant water sources, you should inform the local authorities about the same. If needed, you may request the local government for maintenance support or fogging.”
Stay alert and stay safe!
This blog post is written with editorial inputs by Dr Mayank Uppal. The doctor is known for medical expertise and has