Dengue Fever in Jamaica: 8 Simple Ways You Can Help Fight Dengue

1.Spray Repellent

The use of mosquito repellents is practical for keeping dengue carrying mosquitoes at bay. Mosquito repellents can be purchased in most pharmacies or supermarkets, they come in cream, roll-on (preferably for children) or the more common spray repellent.

Most mosquito repellents are made from the DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) a widely used insect repellent. Most repellent can last as long as eight hours depending on the active ingredients on the can. You can read the active ingredient. The higher the percentage of DEET the stronger the repellent hence the longer it will lasts.

Some individuals with sensitive skin might have irritable reactions.

2. Mosquito Coil

Mosquito coil is not as widely used today as before, however coils are effective repellents for all flying insects. Mosquito coils are cheap, they can burn for eight hours and are relatively easy to use.

There are some precautions that should be observed when using mosquito coils such as the risk of fire. There have also been studies done that indicate negative health effects to people who inhale the active ingredients of mosquito coils.

3. Choice of Clothes

Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors therefore light colors are less appealing. This is especially useful in choosing what you sleep in. Light colors helps to keep the body cooler than darker colors thus reducing perspiration which emits (chemicals) and an odor.

Wearing shoes, long sleeves, and pants reduces the likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes.

4. Electric Fan

This tip may seem a bit primitive; however the fan can be used to blow mosquitoes away. It also helps to keep the body cool thus reducing perspiration which as mention above Is an attraction to mosquitoes.

5. Places & Activities to Avoid

In rural communities (country) mosquitoes are found in greater numbers in forestation (bushes). Wear protective clothing or avoid these areas to reduce the risk of being bitten by a dengue carrying mosquito.

The age old pit toilet is also still used by some rural residents and even schools. Where it is possible efforts should be made to regularly fumigate these areas.

Limit night and out door activities especially during times when there is health alerts related to mosquito spreading illnesses. Close windows and doors before dusk.

6. Bed Nets

Bed nets or mosquito nets are especially useful for babies and younger children, also older individuals with weaker immune systems. Mosquitoes may bite at anytime, however people become even more vulnerable during sleep. Nets form a larger protective area around the individual during sleep by preventing mosquitoes from reaching the intended target. Mosquito nets come many different shape sizes.

7. Get rid of all stagnant water

Mosquitoes love stagnant water; it is their prime breeding ground. Turn over storage containers, close toilet bowels, change the water in vase and flower pot ever other day. Cover drums and tanks. Clear blocked drains around your house.

Other activities that maybe taken on by health officials include fogging an the use of prescribed pesticides, patching of or filling of potholes.

8. Educate Yourself and Others

One surest and simple way to fight dengue fever is to educate other family members and friends about the dangers and defensive measures they can take to avoid dengue fever.

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~ by RB on August 10, 2010.