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In a span of 3 months, more than 550 cases of dengue have been reported from Mumbai, especially South Mumbai region. Although there might be numerous causes for an increase in the people affected with this viral disease every year in the country, lack of proper hygiene and sanitation (drainage, water logging, construction sites, etc) is the key reason. With more and more people including children falling prey to dengue, Mumbaikars have found innovative, proven, quirky and some silly measures to prevent dengue. Right from coils and repellents to wrist bands, rings and blankets, people are trying everything to control spread of diseases caused by mosquitoes. Here is a list of products that are currently used to control mosquitoes.
Mosquito-repellents: Most chemical mosquito repellants used contain a chemical known as DEET. This chemical acts as a poison that camouflages a person's natural odour thereby preventing mosquito bites. Apart from this, there are other synthetic repellents Icaridin, Permethrin, Bog Myrtle, etc.that are widely used. But care should be taken while using them as most of them cause skin irritation and other health complications. Although natural repellents are available in the market they are quite expensive and hence, are not commonly used.
Mosquito nets: Mosquito netting with different shapes, sizes and materials are available to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes, but there are disadvantages associated with every type. Because of this, medicated nets (approved by WHO) have come into the picture that are currently considered to be one of the best solutions. The normal nets can be medicated using O (25% deltamethrin) tablets and are safe and effective (the effect of medicine lasts for about 6 months) than liquidators and coils.
Electric mosquito zapper: It is a mechanical device that uses ultraviolet light to attract mosquitoes and then kills them with its lethal dose of electricity. It is also quite commonly used by most people in Mumbai and other major cities in India.
Mosquito Magnet: This device mimics the ability of mammals to release odours, moisture and heat that attract mosquitoes. Once the mosquito gets close to the magnet, it is sucked in and gradually dies due to dehydration. Another advantage of using this mechanical magnet (that works similar to mosquito swat) is that other insects and flies are also captured and killed.
DEET -impregnated wrist bands: It basically works on the principle of the mosquito repellents. This wearable device contains chemicals that repel mosquitoes thereby minimizing the risk of of getting bitten by them. While people have tried to use this form of mosquito repellent, it has been found that they are not as effective as their counterparts.
Mosquito Patch: A small pack of mosquito-repellent patch is available for Rs. 400. This needs to be stuck on the arms to prevent mosquitoes from biting. The product is said to contain DEET, that repels mosquitoes. But, this method, again has not been found to be effective against mosquitoes.
Mosquito repellent blankets: Another widely acclaimed method to beat mosquitoes and prevent dengue is the mosquito-repellent blanket that claims to ensure protection against mosquitoes. It is one of the many products currently available in the market. Depending upon the size, these blankets are sold at Rs 999 and Rs 1,999. It contains a chemical known as permethrin that attacks the nervous system of the mosquitoes. Although doctors say that these blankets are same as the normal blankets, there is an increase in the demand of mosquito-repellent blankets due to rise in number of dengue cases.
Table-top machine: One of the high-tech solutions that are known to be effective and safe is the table-top machine. This mosquito-trapping device attracts, traps and kills the disease-causing mosquitoes without emitting any odour or fog. It is ideal for people with heart or lung problems as the traditional methods like coils, repellents and mosquito fumigators are known to cause health complications in these people. This device costs approximately Rs. 3000.
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