How to Avoid Dengue Fever
If you are doing any traveling, it's a good idea to check the travel department's advisories on outbreaks of Dengue Fever. Dengue is increasingly common in tropical areas including many popular tourist destinations. While only a small percent of Dengue infections result in fatalities, the fever itself is very unpleasant. The only way to avoid Dengue is to avoid being bitten by an infected mosquito. Here's how to avoid them:
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Instructions
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Use an insect repellent with 20-30% DEET. Any less is ineffective and any more can cause side effects. Use on any exposed skin, particularly during the early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active. Spray aerosol outside and in well ventilated areas to avoid inhalation.
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Wear long sleeves and pants if you are outside during the day and evening hours. This is particularly important if you are traveling to moist areas like rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes.
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Spray insect repellent on clothing. Mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing. Be sure to spray clothing in the evening hours.
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Use a mosquito net. Hang a mosquito net over the bed while you are sleeping. Make sure the net covers the entire bed and there are no gaps in coverage.
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Eliminate standing water sources. Empty buckets or pots containing still water. Cover drains and wells. If the water cannot be drained, add some bleach to kill mosquito eggs.
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Spend time at the beach. The ocean breeze takes care of most of the mosquitoes. The most dangerous and at risk areas are those densely populated areas in urban settings.
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Tips & Warnings
If you think you have Dengue, take acetaminophen and consult a doctor.
