Dengue: stopping the mosquito, what to do with a fever, and the danger signs

The mosquito breeds in standing water Dengue is spread by the Aedes mosquito, which lays its eggs in clean standing water: flower pots and their trays, fridge and air-conditioner drip trays, old tyres, coconut shells, buckets, roofs and buildings under construction. - At least once a week, empty all standing water in and around the home. - Keep water tanks, drums and buckets covered. - Aedes bites by day; use a mosquito net even for a daytime sleep, and dress children in clothes that cover arms and legs.

With a fever - See a doctor without delay. The doctor will ask for a blood test if needed. - Rest fully, and drink plenty: water, oral saline, green coconut water, soup, fruit juice. - For fever or pain, only paracetamol, in the dose the doctor gives. - Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen or other painkillers; they can raise the risk of bleeding. - No antibiotics without a doctor's advice; dengue is a viral illness. - Keep the patient under a mosquito net too, so mosquitoes do not carry it on to others.

Danger signs: go to hospital without delay The days when the fever comes down can be dangerous too. At any one of these, go to hospital at once: - Severe stomach pain, or vomiting again and again - Bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, black stool - Great weakness, restlessness or drowsiness - Cold hands and feet, much less urine than usual - Difficulty breathing

For pregnant women, small children, older people and anyone with diabetes, heart or kidney disease, see a doctor even sooner. A doctor by phone: Shasthya Batayon 16263. In an emergency, 999.