Do these at home to prevent dengue fever

Do these at home to prevent dengue fever

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 400 million people are infected by the dengue virus, while 100 million get sick each year. Outbreaks have already occurred across the globe, including in Southeast Asia.

In Singapore alone, a total of 10,273 dengue cases have been reported this year (as of 17 August 2019) by the National Environment Agency.

Singapore's tropical climate is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. And while the viral disease is prevalent all-yearround, the incidence of this unpleasant disease is expected to rise even higher.

This tropical disease can be deadly, particularly for young kids, but preparation is vital in taking the sting out of this fatal plague. You can, in fact, prevent this disease from pestering your family. We've listed down things that you can do to break the transmission of dengue in your home:

1. FOLLOW NEA'S 5-STEP MOZZIE WIPEOUT STEPS

NEA encourages everyone, young and old, to join the collective effort in stopping dengue transmission by doing the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout. You, too, can be an advocate by following these steps:

  • Turn the pail.
  • Tip the vase .
  • Flip the flowerpot plate.
  • Loosen the hardened soil.
  • Clear the roof gutter and place BTI (Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis) insecticide inside.

2. APPLY INSECT REPELLENT EVEN WHEN AT HOME

You'll never know when a mosquito is out there, so you should always be prepared by applying a repellent even when inside your home.

3. AVOID DENGUE HOTSPOTS

The NEA provides always up-to-date dengue clusters around the island. As much as possible, avoid these places. Or should you do, be very sure to carry mosquito repellent every time and avoid places where there is stagnant water. You might also want to try mosquito patches if you don't want the smell of some repellents.

4. BURN CITRONELLA OIL IN YOUR HOME

There are certain plants and essential oils that are effective mosquito repellents, one of which is citronella. It is a common natural and effective ingredient usually mixed in most mosquito repellants. Burning citronella oils and candles in your home will not only make your space smell fresh, but it can also help prevent dengue in your lovely abode as it can ward off mozzies.

5. USE MOSQUITO NETS

While using mosquito nets is often found useless in many cases, it is still a good measure to protect babies and young ones during the day, when dengue mosquitoes are out there feeding on poor, unfortunate bodies. When using one, make sure that you keep an eye on your little one to avoid accidents.

6. CLEAN YOUR HOME

A dirty, unorganised home is a breeding ground-not just for mosquitoes, but also for germs and other microorganisms. Make sure that you have a clean home and that every corner has been wiped, mopped, swept, and scrubbed.

7. SPEAK TO YOUR FAMILY ABOUT PREVENTING DENGUE FEVER

Aside from taking these precautionary measures, it is important to educate everyone in your home about dengue prevention. Your family members should be active participants in preventing this disease from lurking in your home by knowing what they should and should not do.

This article was first published in Cromly.

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