Effective Dengue Fever Prevention Tips to Protect Your Family
Updated June 02,2025
Dengue fever,a mosquito-borne illness,claims around 100 lives each day globally. While the world battles other health crises, it’s crucial not to overlook dengue fever prevention, especially in over 125 at-risk countries. Taking simple precautions can considerably reduce the risk of infection for you and your family.
The primary vector, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, thrives both indoors and outdoors. These mosquitoes breed in containers holding clear, stagnant water, such as discarded tires, food cans, flower pots, and even plastic bottles. The eggs hatch and develop into adult mosquitoes in about eight days.
Dengue spreads when an infected mosquito bites a person.The mosquito acquires the virus by biting someone already infected.After 5-10 days, the mosquito can transmit the virus to others through its bites. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are most active during early morning and late afternoon, increasing the risk of bites.
The most effective dengue fever prevention strategy involves avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds. Consider these steps:
- Cover exposed skin with loose clothing, as mosquitoes can bite through tight fabrics.Long sleeves, pants, closed shoes, and hats offer better protection.
- Apply insect repellents containing DEET, carefully following the label instructions. Apply repellent 30 minutes after sunscreen application, and reapply after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets for added protection.
- Install fly screens on windows to keep mosquitoes out. Air conditioning can also help by allowing you to keep windows and doors closed.
- Use mosquito coils or electric insecticide vaporizers indoors, always adhering to product instructions.
- Regularly drain standing water from containers like buckets,tires,bottles,jars,and cans. If possible, dispose of these items.
- Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths, flowerpots, and vases daily. Scrub the containers weekly to remove any mosquito eggs.
- Cover large cisterns and containers with tight-fitting lids or mesh with small holes.
- Introduce small fish, such as guppies, into large water vessels that are tough to drain, as they consume mosquito larvae.
- If you develop a fever, rest in a screened or air-conditioned room, or under a bed net to prevent further transmission if bitten.
What’s next
By implementing these dengue fever prevention measures, you can significantly reduce your risk and contribute to controlling the spread of this disease in your community.
