Dengue is the name of a contagious and epidemic -type disease that is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which have their habitat in accumulations of water. Dengue symptoms include fever, pain in the extremities, and rashes.
These mosquitoes usually appear in regions with a tropical climate, but their presence has spread to much of the world where climatic conditions are warm. Since Aedes aegypti lays its eggs in water, it is vital to remove stagnant water accumulations in buckets, jars, or other objects to prevent dengue from spreading.
The females of the Aedes aegypti are the ones that bite and can transmit the dengue virus. They usually do not travel more than a hundred meters from where they have laid their eggs, which means that those who live surrounded by stagnant water have a greater chance of contracting the virus.
The incubation period for dengue is usually between five and eight days. The outbreak of the viral picture is characterized by headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, elevated body temperature and skin rashes. Less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and nosebleeds.
It should be noted that the most serious variety of dengue can lead to death due to the damage it causes to organs and severe bleeding.
As there is no certified vaccine against the disease, the best way to prevent dengue is by fighting the mosquito. Preventing stagnant water from accumulating, placing mosquito nets on the windows and using repellents are some of the measures to take.
Prevention campaigns
Every year, in countries where cases of dengue usually occur, hundreds of volunteers are launched to educate the population about the different methods of dengue prevention, as well as to collaborate with those who suffer from it. There are both state agencies and international organizations and civilian groups that join forces to combat this disease, which claims many lives.
These campaigns are not only carried out in summer, but also in winter; The idea is to offer a deep understanding of the actions that attract mosquitoes, to promote a change in lifestyle that prevents the spread of dengue. It is worth mentioning that this represents a great mobilization, both on the part of the government and the people, since prior training of the volunteers is necessary, who must be prepared to transmit the information, but also to evacuate doubts and know how to guide and advise the participants.
Some of the methods commonly used for dengue education include disseminating advice through explanatory posters and brochures handed out on public roads, as well as talks in schools and community kitchens. An attempt is made to focus efforts on those sectors of the population that are most in need, since they are the most likely to lack drinking water and usually live in poorly built houses or in a state of deterioration, which makes it impossible to maintain the necessary level of asepsis. to health.
One of the most useful tips is to make sure that you do not leave containers capable of accumulating water in open spaces, such as patios and gardens, since they represent a potential breeding ground for Aedes aegypti and albopictus; it can be disused pots, cans or even tires. Another very important point is to dispose of waste as soon as possible, although in some cases, when collectors strike, there is little that citizens can do. The frequency of these campaigns is usually less in times of low temperatures, since the danger of contagion is less.
