Awareness of dengue fever

Bangladesh usually experiences 12 to 15 days of rains every month from June to September. Therefore, the incidence of dengue increases during this time. Aedes mosquito, the carrier of two deadly diseases including dengue and yellow fever, gets a perfect weather to breed when it rains. Symptoms of dengue fever typically appear between 3 and 15 days after being bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito. After four to five days of fever, red rash appears all over the body. Nausea, excessive fatigue, loss of appetite may also occur. Apart from these, black stool, fresh blood with stool, water coming from the chest or stomach can also be observed.

In addition to dengue, malaria, filaria, zika etc. can be transmitted by mosquitoes. Aedes mosquitoes lay eggs in clean stagnant water. They do not lay eggs in unclean and dirty water. So we have to remove accumulated water in different containers in our house within 3 to 5 days. Many people in the city like to plant various flowers and fruit plants on the rooftop. They must clean these plant containers regularly. If necessary, we should use various mosquito repellent medicines available in the market.

Aedes mosquitoes are more likely to bite in the morning and early evening. So during these times, we should use mosquito nets. Children need special care in this regard. If you are infected with dengue fever, do not panic and take preventive measures. During this time, the body becomes dehydrated. Therefore, drinking water and lemon juice among other liquids can help someone recover soon. After all, awareness is the key to fighting dengue fever.

Md. Syful Mia,

Student of University of Chittagong, Chattogram,

syfulmia888@gmail.com