Keep Ourselves Safe From Dengue – Meru International School

At Meru International School, we ensure that our students are well aware of how to take care of their health and also of their loved ones. During this Pandemic, things have been challenging and have forced us to be extra cautious. Besides COVID-19, many other diseases are lurking around. The notorious Dengue is on the rise again. We all might already know that Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection. The bite of a female infected Aedes mosquito causes this disease. The symptoms include a high fever with a headache, body pain, eye pain, joint pain, skin rashes and some others.

It’s safe to say we all agree when it comes to believing that prevention is always better than cure. And incorporating certain practices in your lifestyle will ensure you remain safe from this otherwise mild infection which could at times turn lethal.

We have an exhaustive list for you that has measures that you can take to keep yourself safe from Dengue. Since mosquito bites cause this disease, the ultimate aim is to prevent mosquito bites. So,

• Wear clothes that fully cover your body like a full-sleeved t-shirt and long bottoms. Clothing that provides full coverage to your body prevent mosquito bites.

• Ensure the door and windows are closed, or you have a mesh over them. This helps to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
• Use mosquito repellants on your body as well as on your clothes.
• Make sure you do not let water collect anywhere near you. Any ditches, tires or containers that are no longer in use shouldn’t be allowed to collect water. Empty all such ditches and containers.
• Altogether avoid going to such areas that are prone to mosquitos.
• Try to use mosquito nets while sleeping or otherwise.
• In case you use a stroller or a carrier for your children, make sure that also has a net covering.
• If you use drums, buckets or other containers for your water storing needs then make sure to cover the containers so that the mosquitos don’t get access to it.
• Since the dengue-carrying mosquitos are most active during the time of dusk and dawn, try to be extra careful during these times.
• If you use a water cooler, make it a point to empty it and clean it regularly. Otherwise, it could turn into a breeding ground for mosquitos.
• Lighting camphor has also helped keep the mosquitos at bay.
• You’ll have to make sure that your dustbins and trash cans are clean and always covered.
• The plant Tulsi also acts as a natural mosquito repellant. And hence you could try to have it as an indoor plant.
• Use mosquito coils and mosquito repellant devices to protect yourself from the mosquitos.
• Ensure your house or any other space you spend time in is clean and does not have junk or garbage lying around. This could be a place for mosquitos to lay eggs and nest; hence it must be avoided at all cost.
• Mosquitos are also likely to be found in dark areas. Use pesticides in such places to safeguard yourself from mosquitos.
• Another thing you could use as a natural mosquito repellant is lavender oil. You could spray it around the rooms and also use on yourself.

If you are careful and follow these precautions, you can safeguard yourself and your family from Dengue. However, if you do get a mosquito bite or recognize the symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

We at Meru wish health, safety and happiness for our students and their loved ones too. Stay aware; stay safe!