A dangerous – even deadly – flu-like viral infection caused by active Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, dengue kills millions and millions of lives and attacks the health of many individuals – both young and old – each year. According to the World Health Organization, over 50 to 100 million cases of dengue are reported annually.
Among the symptoms of dengue are fever, red eyes, severe headache, enlarged lymph nodes, weakness, pain in joints, chills, as well as lower back pain.
Outbreaks of dengue have been reported in Australia, India, Africa, the Middle East, and countries in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, the Department of Health has announced a dengue fever alert. Already, almost 100 deaths are being reported every year and over 15,000 cases of dengue fever have been recorded across the country.
While there is specific treatment for dengue, it can be prevented even before it attacks. The key is to eliminate the breeding camps of the deadly mosquitoes. Here are some helpful tips on how to prevent dengue according to top pest management centers in the US.
- Keep your surroundings clean. Cleanliness is still your best armor against dengue and a host other diseases. Aside from your home interior, make sure that you schedule a time to clean your kitchen, backyard, garden, and garage.
- Clear stagnant water in and near your home. This will attract mosquitoes to breed. Common places to check include unused drums and old tires in the backyard.
- Seal tightly all water storage containers and facilities that can nest deadly mosquitoes and their eggs.
- Apply lotions that repel mosquitoes to exposed parts of the body, especially to children. Moreover, watch where they play. Remind them to stay away from pest-infested areas and stay indoors as much as possible when an outbreak is happening.
- Use mosquito nets or bed nets when your room is not screened.
- When visiting mosquito-infested areas, make sure to wear pants and long-sleeved shirts. Avoid exposing too much skin that mosquitoes can easily bite.
- Throw away old items that tend to collect water, such as cans, old tires, and the likes.
- Stay away from densely populated areas.
By following these simple tips, you can help save your life and the lives of many others from the deadly disease. To further ensure that you live I na dengue-free environment, hire a professional pest management team that will perform effective pest control in your area.