Protection from Dengue during monsoon

New Delhi, Tuesday, August 7, The rainy season is here again so as the threat of dengue fever. The disease has proved to be life threatening. But vaccines for the dengue virus are yet to be approved. So, prevention depends on control and protection from the bites of the mosquito that transmits it. Destructing the habitats of the mosquito is the primary method to control dengue from spreading. Here are a few ways to destroy the habitats of such mosquitoes.

• Empty containers of water – Look to empty air coolers and other containers left out with rainwater
• Add insecticides and biological control agents in water – Look to add them in water so that mosquitoes do not lay eggs on the surface of the water
• Reduce open collections of water – Rainwater usually gets accumulated around us, we need to ensure that such open collection of water does not exist nearby
• Prevent mosquito bites by wearing clothes that cover the skin fully – wearing clothes that covers our entire skin are preferable
• Use mosquitoes netting – Mosquito nets are very useful when we go for a rest
• Apply insect repellent creams – Using mosquitoes repellent cream before going the bed will help in preventing mosquito bites.

Environmental modification is the preferred method of control, given the concerns about the negative health effect of insecticides and greater logistical difficulties with control agents.