Prevention tips for dengue and chikungunya: How to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases

🦟 Dengue & Chikungunya: Know the Enemy

Both dengue and chikungunya are caused by viruses transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. These mosquitoes:

• Bite during the day, especially early morning and before dusk.

• Breed in clean, stagnant water (like water coolers, flower pots, buckets, open tanks, discarded containers).

• Thrive during rainy seasons and in tropical/subtropical climates.

Common Symptoms:

Early diagnosis and symptom management are crucial. There are no specific antiviral treatments, only supportive care.

🛡️ Prevention tips for dengue and chikungunya

🧴 1. Use Mosquito Repellents

• Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing.

• Reapply as per product instructions, especially after sweating or washing.

• Use mosquito patches or wristbands for children, and baby-safe repellents for infants.

🏠 2. Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Install screens on windows and doors.

• Use mosquito nets, especially for infants and people resting during the day.

• Turn on fans—strong air circulation deters mosquitoes from settling.

• Consider insecticide-treated curtains or netting around beds.

💧 3. Eliminate Breeding Grounds

• Empty and scrub water storage containers every 3–5 days.

• Don’t let water collect in flowerpots, coolers, tires, buckets, plates under potted plants, or unused utensils.

• Fill potholes or ditches where water can accumulate.

• Store water containers covered tightly.

• Add larvicides or kerosene oil to water bodies if they cannot be drained (do this safely and as per local guidelines).

🧺 4. Wear Protective Clothing

• Cover your arms and legs with long sleeves, long pants, and socks.

• Choose light-colored clothing (mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors).

• Wear closed shoes instead of sandals or flip-flops in high-risk areas.

🏥 5. Monitor and Act Early

• Don’t ignore symptoms like high fever, rashes, or severe joint pain.

• Seek medical attention early to avoid complications like dengue hemorrhagic fever.

• Get a CBC test (complete blood count) if you suspect dengue to monitor platelet levels.

• Hydrate aggressively if infected, especially in dengue cases.

🧽 6. Protect Public and Shared Spaces

• Don’t litter with containers that can collect water (cups, wrappers, coconut shells).

• Inform municipal authorities of stagnant water near your home or locality.

• Participate in community awareness programs during monsoons.

🌿 Natural & Home-Based Deterrents (Supplementary)

• Tulsi (basil) plants around the house act as mosquito repellents.

• Burn camphor or citronella oil in closed rooms (while not inside) for 30 minutes as a natural repellent.

• Keep neem oil-soaked cloths near windows or apply diluted neem oil on the skin.

• Use essential oils like lavender, peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus—effective and fragrant mosquito repellents.

⚠️ Note: Natural remedies are not a replacement for proven repellents or elimination of breeding sites.

🏥 Dengue vs. Chikungunya: What’s the Difference?

📢 Government and Public Health Measures

• Municipal corporations often carry out fogging, larvicide spraying, and door-to-door awareness in high-risk zones.

• Hospitals set up dengue/chikungunya wards during outbreaks—check for nearby centers.

• Schools, offices, and colonies should coordinate cleanliness and water management.

✅ In Summary

Dengue and chikungunya are preventable diseases. Protecting yourself and your community from mosquitoes is the only way to break the transmission chain. With personal precautions, home hygiene, and public awareness, you can safely navigate the monsoon season and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

🩺 When in doubt, seek immediate medical care—early action can save lives.