[toc]Various diseases come out with the monsoon and dengue is one of the most severe of the lot. Mosquitoes are responsible for spreading this debilitating and painful disease, which is also called ‘break bone fever’. This disease can prove to be deadly and is caused by the bite of aedes aegypti mosquito, which is an infected female.
The symptoms of the bite will start appearing within four to ten days. Pain behind the eyes, high fever, muscle and joint pain, nausea, severe headache, vomiting, even a rash and swollen glands are some of the common symptoms experienced by people in dengue. Dengue shock syndrome and hemorrhagic fever are the more severe types of dengue. There isn’t a vaccine that can protect against dengue and the disease itself does not have any clear treatment. Therefore, preventing dengue from actually occurring is the best solution for people.
How To Prevent Dengue
Nets and Mosquito Repellants
When people go outdoors, especially during the day, they should cover the uncovered skin surfaces with insect repellant. Sunscreen should be applied before insect repellent if people wish to use it. 30 to 50% DEET (N-diethyl-m-toluamide) in repellents make them effective for several hours and can be used by adults and children who are more than 2 months old.
Short term protection is offered by repellents that comprise a lower level of DEET and they have to be applied frequently for retaining protection. A carrier that’s draped with a mosquito net can be used for protecting infants who are younger than two months and they also have an elastic edge to ensure tight fitting.
Clothing
When going outdoors, people should wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Repellent that comprises of permethrin or any other repellent approved by the EPA can be used to spray the clothing. However, permethrin should not be used on the skin.
People should opt for resorts and hotels that take steps for reducing the population of the mosquitoes and are air conditioned and well screened if they are traveling in dengue infested areas.
Avoiding Standing Water
Standing water of any kind, like a pond or a pool is basically an invitation to the mosquitoes to come and lay their eggs there. Water can also be accumulated elsewhere like in bins etc. In order to drain them, holes should be drilled into the trash cans.
In the summertime, water dishes of pets and birdbaths can be used as breeding grounds by the mosquitoes and their water should be changed once every week to eliminate this possibility. Children’s toys, flower pots and gutters are some other standing water places that should be checked.
Herbal Repellant
There are some plants that possess insect repellant properties and can be grown by people such as rosemary, rose geraniums, basil, lemon balm and catnip. Mosquitoes can be warded off effectively with lemon balm and catnip especially.
Although the commonly used synthetic repellant is DEET, it was discovered by researchers at the Iowa State University that catnip comprises of essential oil which was around 10 times more effective in warding off mosquitoes. The leaves of any of these plants can be crushed for releasing their smell and then they can be rubbed onto the uncovered skin.
Lavender
The calming and soothing scent of this essential oil has made it immensely popular and it is also antimicrobial.
Neem Oil
This oil can also be useful in dealing with insect bites because it can also be beneficial for treating various fungal conditions like ringworm, eczema and boils.
Tea Tree Oil
This oil is also antimicrobial and can address numerous fungal conditions as well. It can also treat a horde of skin afflictions like infections and burns and can heal cuts effectively.
Essential Oils
Rosemary, basil, myrrh, rose geranium, citronella, lemon, pine, cedar wood and juniper are some of the essential oils that can be easily found at local health stores. People need two teaspoons of any of these oils. A liquor store should be visited to purchase 190 proof grain alcohol about 1 cup.
A jar having a tight-fitted lid should be used for placing the ingredients and then shake it vigorously. The solution can then be transferred into a small bottle and then stored. A small amount should be taken and rubbed onto the exposed skin to ensure there isn’t any negative reaction and then people can apply it properly.
Hot Spoon
Itchiness can also be relieved when people apply heat onto the bite directly. Using a heated spoon and applying it directly onto the bite is one simple way of providing heat. Open the hot water tap and place the spoon under it for a minute.
The metal will be heated and can then be pressed onto the insect bite for a few minutes. However, people should ensure that the spoon doesn’t get too hot.
Cold Tea Bag
Tea contains tannins that play the role of an astringent and can cut down on the swelling. Therefore, the insect bites can be swiped with a cool tea bag. Add two to three cups of apple cider vinegar to your bath water and soak in it if you are inflicted with the insect bites all over your body.
The maddening itch can be soothed with the acidity of the vinegar. People can also add baking soda to the water and dissolved and then people should soak for half an hour. A paste can also be created for applying onto the bite by taking a small amount of water with witch hazel and baking soda. This can reduce swelling more effectively because baking soda and witch hazel work synergistic-ally.
Other Precautions
Whether its day or night, the adult mosquitoes have the habit of biting inside and out, especially when the lights are on. Repellant should be applied onto the skin for the purpose of protection regardless if people are indoors or outdoors.
Additional protection should also be provided by wearing long pants and long sleeves. Use air-conditioning where possible and keep the windows free of holes and secured properly. Taking these simple measures can help you keep your home free from dengue!
