How to prevent dengue?
- The best way to prevent dengue is by eliminating mosquitoes egg laying sites:
- Remove stagnant water: Stagnant water, either fresh or dirty is the best breeding place for mosquitoes. Remove any water that has collected in containers, buckets, and other items around your home.
- Empty and scrub water containers clean to remove any mosquito eggs. Throw away, turn over, or empty container that may collect rainwater such as buckets, tires, trash containers, pools or flowerpot saucers.
- Cover water containers: Always place a tight lid on containers used for water storage (buckets, drums). over water storage containers with tight-fitting lids or screens to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in them.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites: Wear long sleeved clothing and wear mosquito repellents. Use mosquito nets if sleeping during the day.
- Clean your drainage system: Make sure to clean drains and gutter regularly. Systems designed to drain water away from our homes can often retain water if they are clogged or damaged, which in return can be an ideal mosquito breeding ground.
- Keep your surrounding and environment clean: Dispose your waste properly and regularly clean your surroundings, including gardens, yards, and outdoor furniture, flowerpots and vases to prevent the accumulation of debris and potential mosquito breeding sites. It will reduce the number of breeding site for mosquitoes.
- Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes and other insects:
- Use mosquito repellents; electric, coil or sprays (approved for use on the skin) and always wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible.
- When applying insect repellents, follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the specific repellent product to ensure proper and safe application. Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
- Always use mosquito nets: Ensure everyone particularly children always sleep under properly hung mosquito nets, especially during the active morning and evening periods when mosquitoes are most active.
- Protect babies and children from mosquitoes:
- Place a properly fitted mosquito net or screens over the baby's crib, stroller, or play area to create a protective barrier.
- Minimize exposed skin by dressing your child in long sleeves, long pants and socks.
- Use an age-appropriate mosquito repellent recommended by a healthcare professional. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) should be avoided on children under 3 years old.
- Limit outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.