How to protect yourself from getting dengue fever

Prevention is also based on protection against mosquito bites. Aedes mosquitoes show diurnal biting activities in both indoor and outdoor environments. Therefore, personal protective measures should be applied all day long and especially during the hours of highest mosquito activity (mid-morning and late afternoon).

Personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites should be applied when staying in dengue risk areas.

• Using physical barriers such as Screening doors and windows of premises using mosquito proof meshes.
• Protective clothes to cover the body specially for children those who do outdoor activities in the mornings and afternoons.
• Application of natural repellents such as citronella oil, lemon grass oil, neem oil and chemical repellents containing DEET (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide). However, effects of repellents are short term. (½- 6 hours)
• Repellent use must be strictly done in accordance with the instructions indicated on the product label.

Dengue transmission is predominantly seen in urban areas, usually as family or immediate neighbourhood groups of patients (Clusters). Therefore, if a member of the family or anyone in the immediate neighbourhood is ill with dengue such patients and others should be protected from mosquito bites.

Travellers, especially children, pregnant women, and people with immune disorders or severe chronic illnesses, should consult their doctor or seek advice from a travel clinic to receive personalized recommendations on use of repellents and protection before travelling

Similar protective measures apply to symptomatic patients in order to prevent the disease from being transmitted to non-infected mosquitoes.