What is Dengue?
Dengue is a viral disease that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. It mainly affects people who live in a hot climate. Around 70% of dengue cases in the world take place in Asia.
People infected with dengue experience fever, nausea, vomiting, rashes, body pain, etc. The symptoms start showing 4-7 days after being bitten by a mosquito and last for 2-7 days.
However, people infected with severe dengue may face the risk of death.
What are the reasons behind the rise in dengue cases?
India experiences a rise in dengue cases every monsoon season. That is because the high temperatures and rainfall during this time make it easy for the infection to spread. In recent years, urban areas have seen the majority of dengue outbreaks. The main reason is their high population densities, non-stop human travel, easy access to water sources, etc. The dengue-carrying mosquito is known to reproduce in natural containers like tree holes. But since it learned to live in urban habitats, it can also breed in artificial containers like mud pots, stormwater drains, buckets, etc.
Issues like global warming and urban population growth may increase the spread of dengue in the future.
What has India done to tackle the dengue outbreak?
Every monsoon season, government authorities spray insecticides in high-risk areas to check the spread of mosquitoes.
The Gambusia fish is known to feed on the larvae of mosquitoes. These fish are released into our water bodies (ponds, lakes, fountains, etc.) to help keep the mosquito population under control.
Bangalore’s local authorities are trying to clear up all the waste and garbage spots in the city. The Delhi government has requested hospitals to reserve 10-15% of beds for dengue patients.
How can we protect ourselves from the disease?
We should wear full-sleeved clothes, apply mosquito-repellent creams, and use mosquito nets while sleeping.
Our houses should be clean and well-ventilated. If you find any spots where a lot of water has accumulated (such as flower pots, water leaks, buckets, etc.), try to cover or empty the containers.
Lastly, if you catch dengue, you must visit a doctor immediately!
