National Dengue Day: Dry day to be observed today, avoid water stagnation, clean house and surroundings

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of the National Dengue Day, dry day will be observed in Kerala today by cleaning the houses, surroundings and public places and removing stagnant water.

The government has called for sanitation in view of the coming monsoon season as the current rains are likely to spread dengue fever. Sources of mosquitoes have been found in and around homes in areas where dengue has occurred. The message of the day is 'Dengue prevention starts at home'.

Dos

Aedes mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Water should not be trapped inside houses, other buildings, roofs and surroundings. Drain stagnant water in buildings, terraces and sunshades. Waste material should be disposed of. As part of the Break the Chain, utensils kept in front of institutions should be washed daily.

Mosquitoes can thrive in stagnant water in fish storage boxes used in markets, abandoned containers in backyards, shells, tires, eggshells, tins, and rubber tree shells. Destroy them without throwing away or overturn them.

Dengue

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, also known as tiger mosquito. They lay their eggs in stagnant fresh water.

Dengue can be transmitted from one person to another only through mosquitoes. The disease is caused by Aedes mosquitoes that bite during the day.

Symptoms

The first is the symptoms of viral fever. Symptoms include high fever, headache, pain in the muscles, joints and behind the eyes, and chest and face rashes, like measles. Severe symptoms include abdominal pain, bleeding in the nose, mouth, and gums, vomiting with or without blood, insomnia, excessive thirst, and decreased pulse.

Treatment

If you notice fever and other symptoms, take complete rest. Drink plenty of home-made drinks, salted porridge water and karikin water. Health workers and e-Sanjeevani should be contacted.