Make your home an anti-dengue breeding site

The first record of a case of probable dengue fever is in a Chinese medical encyclopedia from the Jin Dynasty (265–420 AD) which referred to a “water poison” associated with flying insects. The first recognized Dengue epidemics occurred almost simultaneously in Asia, Africa, and North America in the 1780s, shortly after the identification and naming of the disease in 1779. The first confirmed case report dates from 1789 and is by Benjamin Rush, who coined the term “breakbone fever” because of the symptoms of myalgia and arthralgia.

The viral etiology and the transmission by mosquitoes were only deciphered in the 20th century. The socioeconomic impact of World War II resulted in increased spread globally. Nowadays, about 2.5 billion people, or 40% of the world’s population, live in areas where there is a risk of dengue transmission. Dengue spread to more than 100 countries in Asia, the Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and the Caribbean.

Dengue has become a common problem today in Sri Lanka as well. With a massive number of deaths recorded over the years, much precautions have been taken to make public spaces anti-dengue breeding sites. Dengue is caused by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes during the monsoon season. Two common breeding grounds for these mosquitoes include manmade containers and stagnant water. Following are a few tips to prevent dengue starting from your home:

■turn over empty pails and buckets, so that they do not collect excess water. If the container that contains water cannot be emptied, remember to cover it well when not in use.

■ Clean out empty flower pots and do not over-water potted plants. It is advised to not have any stagnant water around as it acts as breeding ground for the mosquitoes.

■ Apply mosquito repellents on all exposed areas, during the day as well as at night on a regular basis to prevent dengue.

■ Block open spaces in your doors and windows during the evening.

■do not let mosquitoes bite dengueinfected patients or others at home.

■always sleep under a mosquito net (especially small children as they sleep during the day and hence, the chance of mosquito bite is high during this time).

■empty and clean out the water tray if you are using a cooler

■ Cover your trash can or dustbin when not in use.