Dengue fever is a viral infection spread through the bite of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The number of dengue cases tends to rise during the rainy season, as these mosquitoes thrive in humid, stagnant environments.

One of the best ways to prevent dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites. So, what can you do to protect yourself from this disease? Let’s discuss the preventive steps in the following article.

Effective Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Use Mosquito Repellent Lotion

Apply mosquito repellent lotions or creams containing active ingredients like DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), Icaridin, or Citronella. These ingredients are proven to effectively repel mosquitoes.

Make sure to apply the repellent to exposed body parts, including the hands, feet, and neck, especially when engaging in outdoor activities or in areas with high mosquito presence.

Wear Long-Sleeved Clothes

Wear long-sleeved clothes and trousers when doing outdoor activities to protect the skin from mosquito bites.

Choose light colored clothes, because mosquitoes tend to be more attracted to dark colors. With the right clothes, the risk of mosquitoes can be reduced significantly.

Put a Mosquito Net on Your Bed

Using a mosquito net while sleeping is an effective way to avoid mosquito bites, especially for babies, children, and those who are more vulnerable. Place a mosquito net over the bed to ensure a safe, mosquito-free sleep.

Cover House Vents with Mosquito Nets

Install mosquito nets or screens on windows and vents to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Ensure that the nets are intact and properly sized to effectively protect your family from mosquito entry.

Practice These Strategies

A critical step in dengue fever prevention is implementing these strategies:

• Draining clean water containers, such as bathtubs, buckets, and flower vases.

• Tightly closing water containers, such as drums, barrels, or jugs.

• Burying unused items that can collect rainwater, like cans, bottles, or old tires.

Additionally, check that your gutters are clear and water is flowing properly. Proper water circulation is key to preventing mosquitoes from breeding around your home.

When Should You Be Alert for Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever has an incubation period of about 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In the early stages, its symptoms are often similar to the common flu.

Therefore, it is important to recognize the early signs and symptoms of dengue fever, which include:

• A sudden high fever above 38ºC (100.4ºF)

• Severe headache, often with pain behind the eyes

• Intense muscle, joint, and bone pain

• Persistent nausea and vomiting

• A reddish rash that appears after the fever subsides

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin

In addition to the initial symptoms, it’s vital to recognize severe signs of dengue fever that require immediate medical attention, such as:

• Severe and persistent abdominal pain

• Continuous vomiting, even on an empty stomach

• Spontaneous bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bloody stools, or vomiting blood

• Pale, cold, and clammy skin (signs of shock due to low blood pressure)

• Confusion or altered consciousness

If you experience these symptoms, seek medical assistance immediately.

By taking the appropriate preventive measures, such as using mosquito repellent, maintaining a clean environment, and implementing the 3M method, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting dengue fever.

If you show symptoms of dengue fever, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor or use the health consultation feature available on the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.

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