What precautions can we take to prevent chikungunya?
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Hello, I am a 31 years old female. I am scared as chikungunya is spreading in our locality. I have two kids. What precautions can we take to prevent chikungunya? Any suggestions?
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@rose Hello, Chikungunya is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes which are Aedes aegypti and Aedes Albopictus, commonly known as yellow fever mosquito. Chikungunya disease is hardly fatal. The symptoms of chikungunya are self-limiting and last for 2-3 days. The chikungunya virus remains in the human system for 5-7 days. During this period, mosquitoes feeding on an infected person can also become infected. Several symptoms of chikungunya are similar to dengue as a result of which it can be easily misdiagnosed in areas where both these diseases are common.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure! Here are some of the preventive measures that you should take against chikungunya:- Keep yourself covered and minimize skin exposure :
Avoid getting bitten which can be done by wearing long sleeves, socks and long pants. Wrap all the gaps in your clothing from where mosquitoes can even get to your skin. Trying staying indoors if and when possible - Use mosquito repellents :
Mosquito repellents are the best way to prevent mosquito bites. Applying a good quality - Keep a check on your surroundings :
Keep an eye on your surroundings by regularly eliminating water, covering the trash cans, using insecticides to destroy mosquitoes. - Don’t let water accumulate :
Ensure regular cleaning of the standing water in the gutters, buckets, playsets, AC pans where mosquitoes can breed. Change the water in birdbaths and pools on regular basis to damage the potential habitat of mosquitoes. - Try growing marigold and lemon grass :
Wage a war against mosquitoes by growing marigold and lemon grass. These plants carry essential oils and act as a natural mosquito repellent. Place them near the windows and doors and see how they will actually shoo away the mosquitoes.
- Keep yourself covered and minimize skin exposure :