The emphasis for dengue prevention is on sustainable, community-based, integrated mosquito control with limited reliance on insecticides (chemical larvicides and adulticides). Preventing epidemic disease requires a co-ordinated community effort to increase awareness about dengue fever/DHF, recognising it, and controlling the mosquito that transmits it.
These views were expressed by Pakistan Medical Society Chairman, Dr Masood Akhtar Sheikh while addressing the "dengue-free Pakistan initiative", a new programme launched by PMS, here in collaboration with the Mother & Child Trust.
Dr Sheikh said that this is the part of ongoing dengue awareness drive started by PMS during which seminars have been planned to create public awareness. The main target of dengue-free Pakistan initiative is to communicate that residents are responsible for keeping their yards and patios free of standing water where mosquitoes can be produced. He informed younger children and those with their first dengue infection have a milder illness than older children and adults. If they feel worse (eg, develop vomiting and severe abdominal pain) in the first 24 hours after the fever declines, they should go immediately to the hospital for evaluation, he added.
Giving some suggestions, he said that there is no vaccine for preventing dengue; the best preventive measure for residents living in areas infested with Aedies Aegypti is to eliminate the places where the mosquito lays her eggs, primarily artificial containers that hold water. Items that collect rainwater or to store water (for example, plastic containers, drums, buckets, or used automobile tires) should be covered or properly discarded. Pet and animal watering containers and vases with fresh flowers should be emptied and cleaned (to remove eggs) at-least once a week. This will eliminate the mosquito eggs and larvae and reduce the number of mosquitoes present in these areas.
Vice President PMS, Dr Israr Hussain Asif said that the peak biting activity for the vector of dengue is during the daylight hours. Avoiding outdoors or focusing preventive actions during peak hours may reduce risk. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, boots, and hats. Tucking in shirts and wearing socks and closed shoes instead of sandals may reduce risk.-PR