SAFETY ALERT: RAINY SEASON IS DENGUE SEASON

About Dengue:

Mosquitoes Spread Dengue.  Dengue is caused by any one of four related viruses (dengue virus 1, 2, 3, and 4). The same type of mosquitoes can also spread chikungunya, Zika, and other viruses.  If a person is infected with different dengue viruses during their life, it increases the chance of severe disease.  Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Mosquitoes come out to feed around sunrise and sunset, but people can be bitten by an infected mosquito at any time.  Aedes mosquitoes often like to rest in closets or other indoor locations near humans.  Aedes mosquitoes typically lay eggs in containers with standing water, like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flowerpots, and vases.  During the rainy season mosquitoes have many many places to lay eggs and reproduce which is why Rainy season often sees a higher incidence of Dengue.  Presently, all members in locations experiencing the rainy season are wise to be aware and cautious.  Avoid mosquito bites by whatever means works for you.

Avoiding Dengue:

• Wear repellent to reduce mosquito bites. Repellents with DEET or picaridin give the longest protection, but there are many less toxic and non toxic effective options available.
• Mosquitos are most active in the morning and in the afternoon/early evening when the sun is on the horizon.  Be more vigilant during these hours.
• Remove standing water where mosquitos may lay eggs, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Check indoors items that hold water, such as vases or flowerpot saucers.
• Close windows and doors or install screens. Consider using an indoor insecticide if you have mosquitoes in your home.

Dengue Symptoms and Warning Signs

• Infection with dengue virus can result in no symptoms, mild, or severe illness. Severe dengue can be life-threatening within a few hours and requires care at a hospital although this is very rare.
• The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following: nausea, vomiting, rash, aches, and pains (including muscle, joint, or bone pain or eye pain, typically behind the eyes).  There is no specific medicine to treat dengue virus infection.
• About one in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue. Severe dengue can result in shock, internal bleeding, and even death.  If you have had dengue in the past, you are more likely to develop severe dengue when re-infected with a different serotype, though severe disease can also occur on the first infection.  Infants and pregnant women are at higher risk of developing severe dengue.
• Watch for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin in the 24-48 hours after your fever has gone away.  Immediately seek medical evaluation if you have any of the following symptoms:  belly pain or tenderness, vomiting (at least three times in 24 hours), bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood, blood in your stool, or feeling tired, restless, or irritable. Do not delay seeking medical attention.

FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE THIS LINK: 

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue

by EDITOR