With the rainy season here, take actions to minimize illness and deaths from dengue.

Dengue is one of the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne diseases. Worldwide, the incidence of dengue has increased 30-fold over the past 50 years. Dengue is a major public health concern as it can develop into a potentially fatal form called “severe dengue”.
Of an estimated 2.5 billion people at risk for dengue globally, about 70% live in Asia Pacific countries. Climate conditions, unclean environments, unplanned urban settlements and rapid urbanization can lead to increased mosquito breeding, especially in urban and semi-urban areas

Health workers in dengue-endemic areas must be able to recognize the symptoms of dengue and the warning signs of severe dengue, do diagnostic tests and provide life-saving care. Also, families need to know what symptoms to look for and where to get early medical attention. This is especially urgent with the rainy season coming.

Act early to save lives
There is no specific treatment for dengue but early detection, improved clinical management and access to proper medical care for severe dengue can reduce fatality rates.  Appropriate home care with adequate hydration and rest during the early stages can minimize the risk of the disease becoming severe.

Tips to Rid Your Community of Mosquito Breeding Sites

1. Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely.
2. Remove old tires or drill drainage holes in tires used for playground equipment.
3. Store plastic wading pools inside or turn them upside down when not in use.
4. Turn over or remove clay pots and plastic containers.
5. Dispose of all empty beverage containers, plastic wrappers, discarded toys, etc.
6. Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps used to cover boats, pools, etc. Arrange the tarp to drain the water.
7. Pump out bilges in boats. Turn canoes and small boats upside down for storage.
8. Replace water in bird baths at least twice a week.
9. Remove pet food and water dishes that are not being used.
10. Flush livestock water troughs twice a week.
11. Don't leave garbage can lids lying upside down. Be sure water does not collect in the bottom of garbage cans.
12. Flush water in the bottom of plant holders twice a week.
13. Fix dripping outside water faucets.
14. Turn wheelbarrows upside down when stored outside.
15. Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper backfilling and grading prevent drainage problems.
16. Check ornamental ponds, tree holes and water-holding low areas for mosquito larvae. Call the nearest Mosquito Control Office (see below) if you find, or suspect, mosquito larvae are present.
17. If ditches do not flow and contain stagnant water for one week or longer, they can produce large numbers of mosquitoes. Report such conditions to a Mosquito Control Office. Do not attempt to clear these ditches because they may be protected by wetland regulations.

The more you know the healthier you and your family can be