Q: WHAT IS A DENGUE FEVER?A: Dengue fever is an acute viral disease, and it is the most common viral disease spread to human by mosquitoes. The incubation period is 3 to 14 days. Symptoms include high fever for three to days, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, eye pain, nausea, vomiting and skin rash. Generally, younger children have a milder illness than older children and adults.
Q: HOW IS DENGUE FEVER TRANSMITTED?
A: Dengue virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. There is no person to person spread. The mosquito Aedes aegypti also called "Tiger Mosquito" because of the white stripes, a vector known to transmit the disease. The mosquito likes to bite people during the daytime, especially two hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset.
Q: WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR DENGUE?
A: There is no specific medication for treatment of a dengue infection. Person who thinks they have dengue should use analgesic (pain relievers) with acetaminophen and avoid those containing aspirin. They should also rest, drink plenty of fluids, and consult the Medical Center physician.
Q: WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ACQUIRING DENGUE?
A: There is no vaccine for preventing dengue. The best preventive measure for residents living in areas infested with Aedes aegypti is to eliminate the places where the mosquito lays her egg, primarily containers that hold water.
- Put all used cans and bottles into dustbins with covers.
- Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flower pots.
- Cover tightly all water containers, wells and water storage tanks.
- Top up all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water.
- Wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers.
- Use insect repellent over the exposed parts of the body. (e.g. DEET)
- Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE A DENGUE?
A: If you have symptoms of dengue fever, see a doctor immediately. If the doctor thinks you might have dengue, they should organize a blood test. While you are sick with dengue, you can pass the disease on to dengue mosquitoes - therefore you should use mosquito repellent during daytime. Reapply personal mosquito repellent every fours and use surface insect spray around the house.
Q: WHAT IF THERE IS A MOSQUITO PROBLEM WHERE I LIVE OR WORK?
A: CONTACT THE MEDICAL AUTHORITIES.
A: Get rid of mosquito breeding sites in and around your home or workplace and protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- If you're concerned about mosquitoes in a neighbor's property, call pest control to get rid of any breeding sites.
- If you still have a mosquito problem and there is a current dengue outbreak, ring the Medical Authorities in your place and or pest control.
See a doctor IMMEDATELY if you or anyone in your family have any SYMPTOMS OF DENGUE.
HOW TO PREVENT DENGUE AT HOME
1. Empty containers that hold water.
2. Store containers in a dry place.
3. Trow out containers that are not needed.
4. Apply insect repellent (i.e. DEET or Picardia)
5. Use surface spray inside your home.
6. Wear long-sleeved clothes and long pants.
7. See a doctor if you have any symptoms.
HOW CAN DENGUE BE PREVENTED?
LET US FIGHT DENGUE MOSQUITO TOGETHER.
