Dengue season: how to protect your family, according to NCVBDC and WHO
Dengue cases usually peak after the monsoon. Official guidance from India's NCVBDC and the WHO focuses on removing stagnant water every week, preventing daytime bites and knowing the warning signs.
September to November is usually the peak period for dengue in much of India, as rainwater collects in containers and Aedes mosquitoes breed quickly. The National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) under the Union Health Ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) offer simple, well-established advice.
Stop mosquitoes from breeding
Aedes mosquitoes lay eggs in clean, still water around homes. The WHO and NCVBDC advise:
- Empty, clean and cover water storage containers at least once a week
- Drain coolers, flower-pot trays and pet bowls regularly
- Throw away old tyres, cups and anything else that can hold water
- Keep overhead tanks tightly covered
Avoid bites, especially in the daytime
Dengue mosquitoes bite mostly during the day. Wear clothes that cover arms and legs, use mosquito nets and window screens, and use repellents containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin or IR3535.
Know the symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 4 to 10 days after an infected bite and include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and rash.
Warning signs - get help immediately
| Warning sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| Severe stomach pain or persistent vomiting | Go to a hospital |
| Bleeding gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool | Go to a hospital |
| Fast breathing, extreme tiredness or restlessness | Go to a hospital |
These signs often appear just as the fever comes down, so do not assume recovery too early.
Treatment basics
There is no specific medicine for dengue. The WHO says paracetamol can be used for fever and pain, and that ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided because they can raise the risk of bleeding. Rest and fluids are important. Testing is available at government sentinel surveillance hospitals across the country.
This is general information, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Which medicine is safe for dengue fever?
The WHO says paracetamol can be used for fever and pain; avoid ibuprofen and aspirin. Always consult a doctor.
How often should I clean water containers?
At least once a week, and keep them covered.
When do dengue mosquitoes bite?
Mostly during the daytime.
Sources
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