Stop dengue now! – DON BOSCO FOUNDATION OF CAMBODIA

on November 14, 2021

In addition to covid 19, another disease that has been setting off epidemiological alarms in tropical countries like Cambodia is dengue. This disease is caused by the mosquito known as Aedes aegypti, and therefore, within the framework of the prevention of this pathology, it is essential to contribute to the task of stopping the reproduction of this insect, closing the doors to its scenarios of eventual proliferation.

Taking into account that the mosquito in question reproduces in clean water areas, it is essential to prevent the emergence of these, especially in times when rains have abounded in the country. Health authorities calls to citizens to take measures aimed at eliminating possible sources of cultivation or incubation of this mosquito, noting that these can arise inside or outside the homes.

*The female of Aedes aegypti is the one to be vampiric, because she needs human blood to feed its eggs.*

Our Don Bosco schools in Cambodia are beautiful natural parks where hundreds of plant species and wild animals find an oasis in the regions they are. But it means also that we need to work with our students and teachers to clean the environment and to prevent the spread of deceases among our own local communities.

According to experts, Dengue is a viral infection caused by four types of viruses known as DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4 of the Flaviviridae family. The viruses are transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus female mosquitoes that feed both indoors and outdoors during the daytime (from dawn to dusk).

These mosquitoes thrive in areas of standing waters like these:

Using tires in gardening is a good way to recycle. But make sure it does not keep standing water that can generate mosquitos.

The Cambodian water tanks must be cleaned every day.

Puddles of water. They are very common in Cambodia during raining season.

We all must understand that we must preserve the environment. Put your garbage in the correct place. Especially do not abandon bottles of drinking water WITH WATER anyway. They can also become a source of mosquitos, other deceases and it can put at risk the wild life.

This beautiful bromelia is common in Cambodia. But check during raining season, because it can become a source of standing water and cultivate dengue’s mosquitos. Time to make maintenance to your own garden.

Other sources of standing water are:

Lack of reliable sanitation.
Regular garbage collection also contribute to the spread of the mosquitoes.
Swimming pools that do not receive daily maintenance.

Prevention is better than cure, while preventing it depends on clear and simple measures. Remove standing waters or make sure that those waters do not become natural incubators. If you have standing waters such as garden settings, make sure to include fish like the guppy, a small colorful fish that cleans the water by eating the Aedes aegypti’s eggs and larvae.

Guppies are river colorful fish native from South America and they have become the best team to fight dengue around the world. Guppies have adapted to the Cambodian environment and they eat the larvae and eggs of mosquitos, while being a beautiful addition to gardens and standing waters.

The transmitting mosquito usually bites at dawn and dusk, and tends to hide in dark and cool areas of homes, therefore, the call of the authorities is also directed to periodic cleaning from these corners. Using colorful clothing attracts also mosquitos to you. If you are in a mosquito environment, prefer to use dark colors. Do not sleep without mosquito nets and use insect repellants.

Regarding the symptoms of the disease, experts warn that it manifests itself through fever, joint pain, general malaise, and a feeling of discomfort behind the eyes. They ask that, if you feel these symptoms, you can promptly consult with specialists.