As the rainy season is here, it’s time to protect yourself from Aedes mosquitoes, which can transmit dengue virus through their bite. This time of year, particularly between July and September, is typically associated with cases of dengue fever. Protecting yourself from being bitten by this mosquito will prevent you from getting dengue fever.
So, how can you protect yourself?
• Cover most of your body with light-coloured clothing.
• Use nets and screens on doors and windows.
• Use bed nets while sleeping during the day - Aedes mosquitoes mainly bite during the day.
• Keep patients infected with dengue under a bed net at all times to prevent Aedes mosquitoes spreading the virus to healthy people.
Breeding sites
Aedes mosquitoes breed in stagnant clean water in containers such as old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances, plastic containers and so on, which could be in or outside your home. These containers should be scrubbed and washed properly to remove mosquito eggs and the water should be changed at least twice a week. It’s also important to avoid the use of plant pot plates, if possible, and loosen soil from potted plants to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water on the surface of the hardened soil. Remember to clear any stagnant water in your air cooler unit or under the fridge and cover water tanks/jars with lids/netting. Construction sites are a major Aedes mosquito breeding ground. Community efforts can play an important role in preventing this killer mosquito from breeding in these sites.
Remember: If you don’t get bitten by Aedes mosquitoes you won’t get dengue.