The transmission of dengue occurs through the bite of an Aedes Aegypti mosquito infected with the virus, so the best way to protect yourself against this disease is to fight the mosquito. For this, some effective strategies include avoiding the accumulation of standing water, leaving no debris in the yard or placing protective screens on windows, for example.
Bites by the dengue mosquito usually occur in the early hours of the morning or in the late afternoon, especially in the area of the legs, ankles or feet. In addition, your bite is more common during the summer, so it is recommended to use repellents on the body and insecticides at home, for protection.
Care to fight the mosquito
To combat the dengue mosquito and prevent its bite, there are some precautions that can make all the difference, such as:
- Keep empty bottles or buckets face down; Do not leave rubbish in the yard or on the streets and sweep the standing water daily; Cover the water tanks, wells or pools and keep the water gutters clean; Place earth or sand in the dishes of the plant pots; Keep the garbage can properly covered and throw coconut shells, soda cans, plastic cups, bottles, packaging in the trash; Store tires in covered places, away from rain. Drill holes in the bottom or delivered to the cleaning service; Cover the little-used drains with plastic, pouring bleach into the pipe twice a week; Decrease the number of drinking fountains for dogs, cats and birds and keep the aquarium clean and closed; Putting protective screens on windows and mosquito nets on the bed to sleep.
In addition, to protect yourself it is also recommended to use repellent and long pants and closed shoes, as the dengue mosquito has a habit of stinging his feet and legs. The Dengvaxia vaccine is also available on the market, which protects the body against this disease.
These tips protect not only from dengue, but also from other diseases like chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika virus or Japanese encephalitis, which are also transmitted by mosquito bites.
