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6 Effective Strategies For Dengue Prevention: Diet, Lifestyle, Other Measures

By implementing these strategies, you will be able to significantly reduce your risk of contracting dengue fever. Find out here.

Written By Prerna Mittra
Updated : October 7, 2024 5:33 PM IST

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Dengue cases on the rise

With dengue cases rising rapidly in many parts of the country, important measures need to be implemented to curb the spread of this mosquito-borne menace, which can prove to be deadly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 400 million people are infected by a dengue virus every year. Anyone can be infected by the virus -- that causes fever and other flu-like symptoms -- multiple times in their life. As such, it is important to stay alert, especially around this time of the year, when cases are said to spike. Scroll down to learn about the six effective strategies for dengue prevention.

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Source reduction

Eliminate breeding sites by regularly inspecting your home and surroundings. Keep your area clean and dry. Remove stagnant water from flowerpots, buckets, clogged drains, etc., as they can become ideal places for mosquitoes to breed.

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Protect yourself from mosquito bites

Make sure to wear protective clothing in the form of long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, etc. Cover your body and apply insect repellents. You may also use mosquito nets during peak mosquito hours.

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Diet and nutrition

Be mindful of your health by focusing on your diet. Boost immunity with vitamin C-rich foods (citrus fruits, bell peppers); vitamin E-rich foods (nuts, seeds); omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseeds). Consume a lot of water and drink electrolyte-rich beverages. You may also consider eating papaya leaf extract supplements after consulting with your doctor.

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Kill Mosquitoes

Reduce mosquito population by installing screens over windows and doors. Use mosquito coils, vapourisers, or mats at home. You can also use UV light traps or mosquito zappers.

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Community participation, awareness

It is important to spread awareness by organising community clean-up initiatives. Educate your neighbours on dengue prevention methods. If you spot any potential breeding sites, immediately report it to the local authorities.

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Regular health check-ups

Consult your doctor regularly, especially during peak dengue seasons, and watch out for symptoms like fever, headache, joint pain, rashes, etc. Get yourself tested if you spot any signs of dengue. Make yourself aware about local dengue outbreaks.