Tips for preventing mosquito borne diseases

 

It’s that time of year again where we are prone to getting diseases like malaria and chikungunya.

Here are a couple of tips for you

1. Determine the stage of risk. it is important that you understand the level of risk involved in the area you work at or live in. If you live/work in an area with clogged drains then you’re prone to getting stung by a mosquito.

Keep your drains clean and always use mosquito repellent.

You should also keep away from sleeping outside or in the surrounding area of areas where mosquitoes like to subsist. Ares where standing water ( like tyres, lakes, waste dumps etc exist). If you are sleeping in a gazebo/porch/tent, make sure that there are no holes anyplace and keep the entrance closed at all times. These may be very fundamental policies or rules but they can considerably augment the achievement of your malaria avoidance effort.

2. Try to Always use a bed-net coated  with insecticides

Check that the mesh is not spoiled and always make sure it is correctly tucked under your mattress. The room itself ought to have supplementary nets attached to the windows and door(s). Keep the air conditioning (AC) on, as mosquitoes tend to keep away from cool, air-conditioned accommodations.

3. Use mosquito repugnant wherever and whenever possible

Use a bug spray in all living & sleeping areas. Mosquitoes are more likely to attack you during the evening or nighttime.

4. Opt for long sleeves

Be dressed in long sleeve shirts and trousers especially at night time. in addition, you can indulge your clothes with permethrin to augment your guard.

5. Keep up with news of malaria or chikungunya in your area

Depending on area to area, the risk of mosquito borne diseases varies. If there is an outbreak in your area then make sure you follow the points mentioned above. Use Odomos or any mosquito repellent or get your building/room sprayed with anti-bug spray.

The government is trying the best to curb these insects from such diseases. If you are thinking of travelling to a country with an outbreak, take your prescribed medicine(s) at least two weeks in advance so that is shows some effect.

Do not overlook to take an anti-malarial every day throughout your journey (or as advised) and do not discontinue taking it. Most medications have to be continual for at least 4 weeks after you depart from the malaria-affected area.

7. Be on the safe side

If you are experiencing flu like symptoms, fever or pain in the joints or even if you are throwing up like crazy, it is advised that you see a doctor just to be on the safe side. You might not have malaria but you should still get it checked.

It’s always best to be safe than sorry!