Dengue Danger: Essential Tips to Protect Yourself This Monsoon Season

As the monsoon season commences, the incidence of various diseases surges, with mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and malaria becoming particularly prevalent. Among these, dengue fever emerges as a significant concern. While prompt and effective treatment can manage dengue, neglecting it can result in severe outcomes, including fatalities. Recent years have witnessed a troubling increase in dengue-related deaths, underscoring the necessity of understanding the critical periods for its transmission.

डेंग्यू, चिकनगुनियाचा डास दिवसा चावतो. त्यामुळे आपले घर व कामाच्या ठिकाणी डास वाढणार नाहीत याची काळजी घ्या!#Maleria #Dengue #Mosqutio #MahaArogya #MahaHealthIEC #IECBureau pic.twitter.com/EEkIsHhXoZ

— Maha Arogya IEC Bureau (@MahaHealthIEC) August 14, 2024

Dengue and the Aedes aegypti Mosquito

Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, easily identifiable by its distinctive black-and-white striped legs. Unlike many mosquitoes that are nocturnal, the Aedes aegypti is active during daylight hours, necessitating vigilance and preventive measures throughout the day. These mosquitoes can breed in both stagnant, polluted water and clean water sources. Even a minor accumulation of water lasting as little as three to four days can serve as an effective breeding ground. Therefore, it is imperative to regularly clean coolers and other potential reservoirs to mitigate the risk.

Waterlogged due to improper drainage. Storm water drain is not working due to improper levelling of road. Chikanguniya and dengue cases are rising in area. Please look into the matter. @GandhinagarMC 📍: Near Swarnim Bungalows cross road, Near proximity to Raysan Metro Station. pic.twitter.com/uz0cK3kRK7

— PRATIK RAMANUJ (@Er_Pratik11) August 14, 2024

The Aedes aegypti mosquito has an average lifespan of approximately one month. Dengue fever predominantly peaks during the months of October and November. Notably, the Aedes aegypti mosquito has a limited flight range of about three feet, which primarily accounts for its tendency to bite the lower limbs. Female mosquitoes can lay their eggs in various environments, including coolers, flower pots, discarded containers on rooftops, and tires filled with water. These eggs are deposited in clean water, with larvae emerging within a span of two to seven days.

Geographic Risk of Dengue

Dengue fever is widespread globally, with a higher prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions. It is most commonly observed in urban and semi-urban locales. While many individuals infected with the dengue virus experience asymptomatic or mild symptoms, the disease can occasionally lead to severe complications, including death.

- PTC PUNJABI