Myth

Fact

All mosquitoes are dengue carriers.

The mosquitoes that carry this disease are known as Aedes Aegypti and find humans as their preferable targets. The mosquito originated in Africa but is now found in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world.

All Aedes mosquitoes are Dengue carriers.

They need to bite an infected human and then bite a new person to transmit the disease. This means that populated areas are more prone to risk.

Dengue fever is more common in rural areas.

Dengue is an urban disease. It is more common in urban areas than in rural areas.

Mosquitoes carrying the virus breed in sewer water.

In fact the mosquito breeds in your backyard and at home. Aedes mosquitoes aren't the travelling type, so they lay their eggs in your house. That way they don't have to travel at all. It's probably darker in the house than it is outside anyway – the ideal environment for them. They will breed in clear, stagnant water anywhere inside and outside your home. This mosquito flourishes during monsoons.

Aedes mosquitoes are only active at dusk or dawn.

Aedes mosquitoes bite throughout the day. It’s a myth that they only hunt during dusk and dawn. By the way, they love to hide in the dark corners of your house.

There is a vaccine for Dengue

There is NO vaccine for Dengue. Prevention is the only option

As long as my house is clean, I won’t have issues with Aedes mosquitoes and Dengue fever.

Mosquitoes can fly into your home from anywhere. So just because your house is clean doesn’t mean Aedes mosquitoes won't get to you.

Prevention

Regular use of Mosquito repellent oil. Wearing clothes that expose as little skin as possible.

Symptoms

Symptoms appear 3-14 days after the infective bite. They may range from a mild to very high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscular and joint aches and a rash.

Precautions

If Dengue is suspected then Aspirin and Brufen must be avoided. It is important to drink lots of fluids..

Treatment

Early clinical diagnosis may prevent complications like haemorrhaging. A platelette transfusion is required in rare cases if the count drops below 20,000.