Brilio.net - The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is an animal that looks small but is very dangerous for human health. The reason is, this type of mosquito is the main cause of someone contracting dengue fever or DHF. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the highest number of dengue fever cases in the world was recorded in 2023, involving more than 80 countries in all WHO regions.
Since the beginning of 2023, there have been more than 6.4 million cases of dengue fever and more than 7,300 ended in death. This number is the highest figure in history. Dengue fever is now endemic in more than 100 countries in the WHO Region which includes Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific.
The Americas, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific are the worst affected regions, with Asia representing around 70 percent of the global disease burden. Dengue fever cases are also rampant in Indonesia. According to data released by the Ministry of Health via p2p.kemkes.go.id, as of March 1 2024, there were nearly 16,000 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in Indonesia with 124 deaths.
The most dengue fever cases recorded occurred in Tangerang, West Bandung, Kendari City, Subang and Lebak. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue fever is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to humans. Cases of dengue fever often occur in tropical and subtropical climates. Most people affected by dengue fever do not show symptoms.
But for those who experience it, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash. Most will get better in 12 weeks. However, quite a few also have to undergo medical treatment in hospital.
Even though the main cause is the bite of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, dengue fever can be prevented by keeping the house clean. The reason is, these mosquitoes can breed in several corners of the house. Without realizing it, some corners of the house can actually become mosquito nests, you know.
If you already know, you can prepare mitigation to repel or prevent the presence of mosquitoes at home. Reported by brilio.net from various sources on Thursday (30/5), here are 11 strategic locations in the house that mosquitoes like and how to deal with them.
1. Children's toys.
photo: freepik.com
Did you know that children's toys have the potential to become mosquito nests that are dangerous to health. The preferred toys are those lying in the open air which become targets for mosquitoes to nest and breed.
2. Swing a lot.
Swings that usually hang from trees are the next place that mosquitoes really like. Usually, stagnant water inside a tire swing becomes a strategic spot for mosquitoes to breed.
3. Bird bath.
For bird lovers, usually keep a bird bath in the backyard. Stagnant water conditions are a favorite for mosquitoes to breed.
4. Portable swimming pool.
Portable swimming pools are a favorite spot for mosquitoes because they are often ignored or not cleaned. Mosquitoes will be very comfortable breeding there.
5. Clogged gutters.
The next nest is a clogged gutter. When water is blocked, it will pool in the gutter and can attract mosquitoes to breed. Always try to check and clean it so it is free from mosquitoes.
6. Plant pot base.
photo: freepik.com
The base of the plant pot becomes a breeding spot for mosquitoes. The base of the pot is a favorite place for mosquitoes, because without realizing it there is stagnant water which usually escapes supervision. Moreover, if the plant pot is outside the house, it is more dangerous because rainwater will flood the pot.
7. Plastic tarpaulin.
Rainwater will usually pool in corners or folds of the tarpaulin that are rarely seen. Tarpaulins are usually used for purposes such as car tarpaulins and the like. If left alone, standing water will become a nest for mosquitoes to lay eggs.
8. Trash can.
photo: freepik.com
Trash cans are a favorite place for mosquitoes because of the mosquito habitat there. So make sure the trash can is always cleaned regularly.
9. Used bucket.
Used buckets are a strategic place for mosquitoes to breed. The water that floods used buckets becomes a natural habitat for mosquitoes to lay eggs and produce mosquitoes that threaten life in the surrounding area.
10. Canoes, rafts and kayaks.
Stagnant water in canoes, rafts and kayaks can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Make sure to always check and clean this area, so that mosquitoes don't have the opportunity to breed.
11. Pet feeding place.
If not cared for, pet feeding places become strategic spots for mosquitoes to breed, you know. Make sure to always clean and always maintain cleanliness to avoid dangerous mosquito attacks.
How to deal with it to avoid dengue fever
photo: freepik.com
There are several things you can do to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your home. Here are the ways to avoid dengue fever:
1. Use anti-mosquito lotion or cream.
Using anti-mosquito lotion or cream can minimize you from dangerous mosquito bites. So using anti-mosquito lotion is very useful for avoiding and treating mosquito bites that cause dengue fever.
2. Don't stack or hang clothes for too long.
Leaving clothes piled up is the reason mosquitoes like to be at home. Always keep clothes in a closed cupboard to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
3. Install screens and mosquito nets.
Installing mosquito nets is an effective way to prevent mosquito attacks that cause dengue fever. Put on a mosquito net when you want to sleep, so you are safe from dangerous mosquito bites.
4. Clean the water reservoir.
Make it a habit to always drain containers that are flooded with water. Draining water storage containers serves to prevent mosquitoes from breeding to lay eggs and increase their population. So, make sure you always drain the water storage container.
5. Drain the tub once a week.
Draining the bathtub is very important because it is an effort to stop the breeding of dengue mosquitoes. Try at least once a week to minimize mosquitoes laying eggs.