One day a week, empty the standing water

Dengue is spread by the Aedes mosquito, which lays its eggs in clean standing water: flower pots and the trays under them, fridge and air-conditioner drip trays, old tyres, coconut shells, plastic containers, roofs and buildings under construction. From egg to mosquito usually takes 7 to 10 days, so emptying the water at least once a week breaks the cycle before any hatch. Pick a day, say Friday morning. Go round the whole house emptying water, turn containers over, and keep water tanks and drums covered. Tell the neighbours too; mosquitoes do not stop at one house. Aedes bites by day, so use a mosquito net even for a daytime sleep. With a fever, see a doctor without delay; for advice by phone, Shasthya Batayon 16263.