Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, May 15

National Dengue Day is observed on May 16 every year. Doctors say since there is no vaccine for dengue, the best way is to prevent the disease is to restrict breeding of mosquitoes in unhygienic environment.

Dr Amit Modgill, head of the Department of Medicine at Suman Hospital, said dengue was a highly endemic infectious disease of tropical countries and was rapidly becoming a global burden.

Precautions

• Wear full sleeves shirt and pants
• Water coolers should be dried before stop their use after summers
• Mosquito repellent and creams can be used
• Anti-mosquito should be sprayed daily, especially behind curtains and below tables
• Water from pots kept in drawing rooms should be changed weekly
• Don’t keep uncovered utensil, pots, tyres etc on rooftops or in the open
• Don’t allow fresh water accumulate near houses

“Dengue cases usually start increasing from May and spike after the monsoon around September. If you contract dengue, fever and other symptoms usually begin about four to seven days after the initial infection. In many cases, symptoms will be mild. They may be mistaken for symptoms of flu or another infection. Young children and people, who have never experienced infection, may have a milder illness than older children and adults. Symptoms generally last for about 10 days,” said Dr Amit.

The doctor further said there was no vaccine to prevent dengue fever. “The best method of protection is to avoid mosquito bites and to prevent breeding of mosquito in and around your areas,” he added.

Another city-based medicine expert said people should understand their responsibility and keep their surroundings clean.

“Doctors, time and again, request people to empty their coolers and flower pots every week to check breeding of mosquitoes. Even a spoonful of water is enough for the breeding of mosquitoes. People should not let water get stagnant in and around their houses,” he added.