Dengue virus is transmitted by a bite from the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Only the female mosquito transmits the dengue virus. This mosquito is a daytime biter, both inside and outside homes, and is most active in the hours after sunrise and before sunset. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes breed inside and outside the home in containers holding water and rarely fly more than 200 meters from the breeding site. They do not breed in creeks, swamps, pools or other bodies of water.
Signs and symptoms
This disease has a sudden onset and symptoms may include:
• Fever for 3 to 7 days
• Intense headache and pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Skin rash
• Bleeding, usually from the nose or gums.
Recovery is sometimes associated with prolonged fatigue and depression. Repeated episodes of dengue fever may result in excessive bleeding and shock but, with appropriate treatment, are rarely fatal.
Prevention
• There is no vaccine to prevent human infection by this virus.
• Wear long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing, covering as much of the body as you can. Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing like jeans.
• Personal protection and the environmental management of mosquitoes are important in preventing illness.
• When outdoors, apply insect repellent containing DEET (diethyl toluamide) or picaridin and always follow instructions on the label.
• Place the mosquito-proof mesh on doors and windows.
• Cover your sleeping areas with mosquito nets. Aerosol knockdown or surface insect sprays can help control mosquitoes inside the home but always follow instructions on the label.
All hostel student/staff to ensure that Desert Cooler installed at their rooms to be kept dry when not in use.
