April 4, 2023

How To Prevent Dengue in Malaysia

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus affecting more than 390 million people each year. While the disease is generally mild, it can be deadly. Recent research shows dengue is between 100 and 800 years old. It likely originated in Africa or Southeast Asia and was then carried to other parts of the world through travel and trade. In recent years, dengue has spread to over 100 countries. Now, travelers to popular destinations like Brazil and India could contract the disease. The virus is also known as ‘break bone fever’ due to its symptoms.

Contact us for more information on how to prevent dengue and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

If you are sick with dengue

Take acetaminophen or paracetamol to control fever and relieve pain. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen.
Get plenty of rest and drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
During the first week of infection, dengue virus can be found in your blood. If a mosquito bites you, it can become infected and spread the virus to other people through bites. To help prevent others from getting sick, protect yourself from mosquito bites during the first week of illness.
Rest in a screened or air-conditioned room or under a bed net while you have a fever.

1. Prevent mosquitoes from breeding:

Removal of stagnant water is the best way to mosquito elimination. As the eggs of Aedes albopictus are resistant to dry weather, we should take the following measures to eliminate mosquitoes and remove stagnant water at all times:

Cover water containers, wells, and water tanks tightly.
Keep drains free from blockage.
Change the water in vases and for aquatic plants at least once a week and leave no water in the saucers underneath flower pots.
Throw unwanted containers where water could accumulate (such as lunch boxes and soft-drink cans) into a covered bin.
Top up uneven surfaces of the floor to prevent water from accumulating.