Protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases

LUCKNOW : Ensure you remove stagnant water from every corner of your house and make family members, particularly children, wear full-sleeves shirts and trousers to avoid mosquito bites, said doctors while sharing tips to avoid mosquito-borne diseases.

“Rains are here for at least the next 15 days and this time is crucial to check mosquito-borne diseases,” said Dr Vinod Jain, dean paramedical sciences, King

George’s Medical University.

“Cover maximum body parts particularly when going out. Wear socks with trousers to ensure mosquitoes don’t bite,” said Dr Abhishek Shukla, secretary-general Association of International Doctors.

The dengue-causing mosquito breeds in clean stagnant water inside houses. Hence, water in coolers, unused tyres, broken cups and buckets kept on the rooftop or porch, gardening bucket and all such items should be removed.

“When it rains, items such as gardening buckets are not in use but they can collect water,” said Dr PK Gupta, former president, Indian Medical Association, Lucknow.

Doctors said water in flower pots should be changed every 24 hours and if possible, flower pots should be removed for some time.

They also suggested measures to control mosquitoes breeding in the immediate vicinity of the house. If there is a vacant plot beside your house and rain water has stagnated, you and your family are at risk of vectorborne diseases like malaria. Immediately get the water removed or sprinkle lime powder over the collected water.

“Not just your house but mosquitoes breeding in the 100-metre vicinity of your house are a risk,” said Dr Sandeep Kapoor, director, Healthcity hospital.

However, doctors warned against self-medication. “If you have a fever, do not self-medicate. Instead, consult a doctor,” said Dr Shukla.