Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. It is spread by the bite of an ‘Ades’ Mosquito. This mosquito bites the infected person and then bites someone else who is not affected thus transmitting the infection. Using mosquito nets at home and patients need to be kept under mosquito netting until the second bout of fever is over and they are no longer contagious. The Civic authorities should act with the co-operation and BMC must conduct dengue awareness programs in the apartment complex and neighbourhood. Advise people showing symptoms of dengue to immediately go for a check-up and get treatment. The most effective way to prevent mosquito bite and to reduce the number of mosquitoes around homes or neighbourhoods is to find and eliminate their breeding sites. The prevention of dengue requires control or eradication of the mosquitoes carrying the virus that causes dengue. Stitch in time saves nine is true and if we follow the guidelines cautiously we can be free from getting this dangerous disease called dengue.
Anandambal Subbu
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
