In the midst of a recent dengue outbreak, households have become battlegrounds against pesky mosquitoes. Though chemical repellents may kill these disease-carrying insects, it may also create diverse health issues. Many seek natural ways to keep mosquitoes away from home. Let’s take a look into some practical methods to control the mosquito menace.  Top 10 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitoes at Home Remove Standing Water Mosquitoes breed in stagnant or standing water, so eliminating any sources of standing water around your home is crucial. Regularly empty and clean water containers, flower pots, bird baths, and gutters to prevent mosquito larvae from developing. Even small amounts of water, such as puddles or water collected in discarded items, can serve as breeding grounds. By removing standing water, you can significantly reduce the mosquito population around your home. Necessary Precautions - Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling stagnant water to prevent contact with mosquito larvae or bacteria. - Be cautious when removing water from areas with potential mosquito breeding sites, such as gutters, to avoid falling or injuring yourself. Read more: How to get rid of cockroaches, bugs at home without using insecticide Use Mosquito-Repelling Outdoor Fans and Lighting Mosquito-repelling outdoor fans work by creating a strong breeze that makes it difficult for mosquitoes to fly. Place these fans strategically in outdoor areas to create a protective air current. Mosquito-repelling outdoor lighting utilizes yellow or LED lights that are less attractive to mosquitoes. Install these lights in outdoor spaces to deter mosquitoes from gathering around. Necessary Precautions - Ensure the outdoor fans are placed in areas where you and your family can enjoy the breeze while minimizing the risk of fan-related accidents. - When using mosquito-repelling outdoor lighting, make sure it doesn't compromise visibility or safety in the area. Also, make sure that it is easy for you to repair any errors. It is best to seek the assistance of a skilled technician for both fans and lights like these. Read more: Exploring Dengue Diagnosis: The Essential Tests for Detecting the Virus Install Window Screens Keep mosquitoes out of your home by installing window screens, which serve as a formidable barrier against unwanted intrusion. Ensure that all windows and doors have properly fitted screens without any holes or gaps. Screens allow fresh air to circulate while keeping mosquitoes and other insects outside. It is especially important to keep windows and doors screened during evenings and early mornings when mosquitoes are most active. Necessary Precautions Regularly inspect window screens and repair any damages or holes promptly. Clean screens regularly to remove debris or dust that can obstruct airflow. Use Netting on Windows and Doors This is an effective natural method to keep mosquitoes out of your home. The intricately woven netting forms a fortress, halting the invasion of mosquitoes while permitting the gentle, invigorating breeze. It is crucial to ensure the netting is properly installed and without any gaps or holes to maximize its effectiveness. Read more: Why do Mosquitoes bite me so much? Necessary Precautions - Regularly inspect the netting for any damages or holes and promptly repair or replace them to maintain its integrity. - Keep doors and windows closed when the netting is not in use to prevent mosquitoes from sneaking in through other openings.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday asked the people to keep their houses and surrounding areas clean to prevent dengue. She made the call at the Cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said this while briefing reporters after the meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat. “The prime minister requested all to pay special attention so that water can’t remain stagnant there (to check the breeding of aedes mosquito),” he said. Read more: Healthcare system rocked by Corona struggles to cope with dengue Amid outbreak of dengue, the city corporations and others concerned especially the civil aviation were also directed to intensify anti- mosquito spray through fogging machines every day, said the cabinet secretary. addition, the city corporations and health ministry were asked to conduct awareness campaign about dengue and aedes mosquito breeding grounds in a coordinated manner, he added.This year some 36,000 dengue patients were recorded and 136 died of the viral disease in the country as of Sunday, said Islam. Of them, the highest 23,000 dengue patients were recorded in Dhaka, while 4,000 in Chattogram, 1,600 in Khulna and 53 in Sylhet, he said. Read more: Dengue claims five lives, Death toll now 141 But the dengue patients hit the record in 2019 when more than one lakh were infected with dengue diseases, said the Cabinet Secretary.

The Aedes mosquito causes dengue fever. If you are bitten by a mosquito that carries the dengue virus, you will get dengue fever. The infection should not be neglected. If Dengue fever progresses to a severe stage, it can threaten life. This article will discuss the symptoms, treatments, home remedies, and preventions for dengue fever.  What is Dengue? Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. The disease is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and it is estimated that there are over 400 million cases of Dengue each year. The virus that causes Dengue is called DENV, and there are four DENV serotypes. It is possible to be infected four times with the virus. However, there is no specific treatment for Dengue, but it can be prevented by protecting against mosquito bites. The Aedes mosquito typically lays its eggs in standing water, so removing sources of standing water can help to reduce the risk of dengue transmission. Read Conjunctivitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention Signs of Dengue Fever  There are some symptoms to look for to know whether it is dengue fever or not. Such as feeling cold, loss of appetite, body aches, headache, pain in the eyes, lower back pain, muscle pain, joint pain, rash, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and skin-eye redness. In the first few hours of dengue infection, pain is felt in the legs and joints. Fever can rise very quickly to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Heart rate and blood pressure are low during this time. A red or pink rash may appear on the face, which then disappears. High fever and other dengue symptoms last for 2-4 days, and then the body temperature drops rapidly with sweating. Body temperature remains normal for about a day before the second rapid rise in fever, and feels healthy. Later, an itchy rash appears all over the body except the face. The palms of the hands and soles of the feet may be bright red and swollen. Read How to entertain an unwell child without screen time Severe Symptoms of Dengue  Sometimes dengue infection is very serious or fatal. It is called severe Dengue. Symptoms of severe Dengue appear 3-7 days after the initial symptoms of Dengue. People who have been infected with Dengue before are at higher risk of severe Dengue. The main symptoms of severe Dengue are severe abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, vomiting blood, bleeding from the gums, bleeding under the skin, difficulty or rapid breathing, feeling cold or sweating, rapid pulse, and drowsiness/loss of consciousness. If you see the symptoms of severe Dengue, you should go to the emergency department of the hospital without a moment's delay. How to Diagnose Dengue Fever  If you see any dengue symptoms or have a serious fever, you should consult a registered doctor for further investigations. Not every fever is Dengue. Self-diagnosed for Dengue leaves other common causes of fever, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, typhoid, flu, etc., undiagnosed. Read Best foods for expecting mothers Patient's signs, symptoms, and physical examination data can help to diagnose the disease. However, results may vary from the first day to the next 10 days of dengue fever in different tests. So, self-testing can be confusing. Therefore, it would be wise to let the doctor understand first.  Doctors initially diagnose Dengue through NS1, CBC, IgG, and IgM. A maximum of Tk. 500 can be charged for the dengue NS1 Antigen test. A maximum of Tk. 400 can be taken for CBC (RBC + WBC + Hematocrit) test. Apart from this, IgG and IgM tests should be done within 500 Takas. Treatment and Home Remedies of Dengue Fever  There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, but there are ways to ease the symptoms. Pain relievers, rest, and fluids can help to reduce fever and pain. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary in order to receive intravenous fluids and close monitoring. Read Why do Mosquitoes bite me so much? At the initial stage, take rest and drink plenty of water or liquid food. If the body is hydrated, headaches and muscle pain will be reduced. Drink coconut water, lemon juice, fruit juice, and saline at home. Paracetamol can be taken to reduce the fever. However, a doctor's consultancy is needed if the patient has heart, liver, and kidney-related complications. Aspirin, Clofenac, and Ibuprofen-like medicines should not be taken for body pain when suffering from dengue fever. Taking such medicines during Dengue can cause bleeding. Read How to Apply for Indian Medical Visa from Bangladesh What not to do Platelets are no longer a key factor in dengue fever. There is no need to worry about the platelet count. If the platelet count falls below 10,000 or if there is bleeding from any part of the body, platelets or fresh blood can be given if necessary. However, such situations are very rare. Many people say that eating papaya leaf juice etc. increases platelets. Actually, these have no role. After the fever subsides, platelets begin to grow by themselves after the crisis period has passed. At the end of the fever, the blood pressure may drop, or there may be bleeding from the gums, nose, or rectum. If this is the case, intravenous saline may be needed. In these cases, hospital admission is required. When to go to the hospital In the case of Dengue, what kind of treatment to take, staying at home or in a hospital, depends on its type or category. There are three types or categories of dengue fever - 'A,' 'B,' and 'C.' Patients in the first category are normal. They only have a fever. Most dengue patients are in the 'A' category. They do not require hospitalization. Resting at home is enough. Read Top 10 Bathroom Plants to grow in humid environment of shower Category 'B' dengue patients may require hospitalization. Certain symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diabetes, obesity, pregnancy, congenital problems, and kidney or liver problems, are recommended for hospitalization. Category 'C' dengue fever is the worst. It can damage the liver, kidneys, and brain. In some cases, an intensive care unit or ICU may be required. So, you have to follow the doctor's instructions. Read Motorcycle Accident Prevention: Tips to Reduce the Risk of a Crash Dengue Fever Season in Bangladesh Generally, the dengue outbreak occurs from July to October in Bangladesh, as the Aedes mosquito spreads during this period. But we have to be careful throughout the year as in some years; Dengue started in June. Preventive Measures for Dengue Fever  The Aedes mosquito usually lays its eggs in clear water. So, make sure water does not stay for more than three to five days. This water can accumulate anywhere. Aedes mosquitoes breed in the water collected on the roof of the house or in the flower tub of the balcony, at various points of the building under construction, tires lying on the side of the road, or in other containers. So, check if there is any stagnant water in any places around the house. Also, use mosquito nets and spray in the house. Additionally, use mosquito repellent cream while going out or staying at home. Read Should You See a Therapist? 8 Surefire Signs You Need Help Final Words In Bangladesh, the Dengue death toll is rising every year. Especially in the cities and towns, many inhabitants are being affected by Dengue fever. Some prevention measures for Dengue can minimize the spread of the disease. However, all fevers are not Dengue. So, make sure you know the sign and symptoms of Dengue Fever to determine if you have it or not. You may also get affected by viral fever too. So far, we have discussed the diagnosis process of Dengue fever. Proper consultations with doctors are essential to avoid serious medical conditions. If proper treatment for Dengue fever is provided the patient can be cured. 

Although the symptoms of mosquito-borne dengue fever are similar to those of the flu, the disease can be fatal. From the beginning of the monsoon season, dengue fever patients flock to hospitals and doctors with various symptoms. However, symptoms may include high fever from the first day, severe headache, pain in the eyes, body aches, reddening of the skin, and in some cases, rashes on the skin. It should be remembered that the fever at this time does not mean only dengue. Other fevers with nearby symptoms are also appearing. In addition to other viral fevers, waterborne typhoid fever is also occurring. Therefore, in case of fever, it is better to take the treatment after confirming the symptoms and, if necessary, examination. With that note, let's know the causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention of dengue. Read Dengue spike: 123 more patients admitted to hospital in 24 hrs Dengue vs. Severe Dengue We should not be sure without any test. But, if a high fever of 40°C or 104°F is accompanied with any 2 of the following symptoms should be suspected as dengue. - pain behind the eyes - nausea - severe headache - muscle and joint pains - swollen glands - vomiting - rash. A patient enters the critical phase, usually after 3-7 days after the illness started. During this phase, the fever may drop below 38°C or 100°F. But the potentially fatal complications may start due to respiratory distress, plasma leaking, severe bleeding, or organ impairment, and fluid accumulation. All these can lead to severe dengue. The symptoms may include- Read Dengue update: 105 more cases reported - persistent vomiting - restlessness - severe abdominal pain - blood in vomit - bleeding gums - rapid breathing - fatigue If these symptoms appear, the patient might have a chance to fall into a critical phase. Hence, a close observation becomes obvious for the next 24-28 hours. Furthermore, proper medical care is needed to avoid any complications and risk of death. Read: Dengue: 25 cases in 24 hours What Causes Dengue Fever? Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease spread by Aedes mosquito bites. The mosquito became infected with one of the four viruses closely related to the DENV virus, causing dengue fever. Aedes mosquitoes can be carriers of any one of the four viruses, and as a result, individuals can be infected by that particular virus. The Aedes mosquito can breed in stagnant water inside or outside the house and cannot fly more than 200 meters from its birthplace. However, these mosquitoes do not breed in ponds, ditches, and other reservoirs. This species of mosquito is more active in the morning and in the afternoon after sunset. How Does the Aedes Mosquito Spread Dengue? When an infected Aedes mosquito bites a healthy person, the mosquito transmits the dengue virus (one in four viruses) to that person. As a result, when an uninfected mosquito bites the person, the mosquito becomes a carrier of the dengue virus. Thus, it becomes a part of the process of spreading the disease. The infected mosquito then bites another healthy person, and the disease spreads. A person who has once been infected with dengue can be infected with any one of the four viruses. However, a person who has already been infected with a particular virus cannot be re-infected with that particular virus. However, the symptoms of second-time infection are more severe than the first-time infection. Read Amid Covid pandemic dengue could worsen: DGHS According to research, 40 percent of the world's population or 3 billion people live in places where dengue is most likely to be transmitted. Symptoms of dengue fever usually appear 4 to 7 days after a mosquito bite and last for 3 to 7 days. Although dengue fever is a highly contagious disease, it can be easily cured if the symptoms are detected at an early stage. Therefore, it is very important to know the symptoms of this disease in order to get timely treatment to avoid complications like heart, lung, or liver damage. Also, in some cases, dengue can cause blood pressure to drop drastically, which can lead to injury and even death.