Dengue fever or DHF is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito infected with the disease germ. The types of mosquitoes that can transmit this disease are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.1
In general, dengue fever cases will rise again in Indonesia when entering the rainy season. Why is this? Because during the rainy season, our environment becomes damp and there are many puddles. These environmental conditions are the perfect place for Aedes mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Based on BMKG reports, most parts of Indonesia are expected to experience the peak of the rainy season in January and February 2022.2
Based on data from the Ministry of Health, the number of cases affected by dengue from the beginning of the year to the fifth week of 2022 has reached 5,041 cases and there have been 59 deaths throughout Indonesia. The highest number of dengue cases are in the age group of 15-44 years.
Usually, there are several symptoms caused by dengue fever, ranging from mild and severe symptoms. However, the most common symptoms that are often experienced are fever up to 40°C and accompanied by:
- Aches and pains (part of the eye, usually behind the eye, muscle, joint, or bone pain)
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Reddish rash (appears about 2-5 days after fever)
- Nausea/vomiting
Mild dengue symptoms usually last for 2-7 days, and most will recover after about a week.
While in severe dengue symptoms, the following signs will appear within 24-48 hours after the fever decreases. Here are the symptoms:
- Abdominal pain and tenderness when pressed
- Vomiting (3 or more times in 24 hours)
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Blood in urine, stool, or vomit
- Feeling tired and restless
When the fever decreases, most people think that this is a sign of healing. However, in this phase we must be more vigilant and pay closer attention. If you or your family feel these symptoms, immediately go to the nearest clinic or emergency room because these symptoms require immediate medical treatment.
To avoid DHF, we must take precautions. Some of you may already recognize the term 3M which is draining, covering, and burying. However, not only that, but there are also several other activities that can be done to keep the home and surrounding environment clean and avoid dengue transmission.
1. Draining the bathtub
Draining the bathtub is something that must be done at least once a week, because stagnant water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. In addition to the bathtub, clean containers or places that have stagnant water have the potential to become mosquito nests. Examples include water reservoirs in pots, water containers in dispensers, and others. Here is how to drain properly:
- Discard the remaining water in the bathtub
- Use bathroom cleaner to clean
- Scrub using a clean sponge (if there are stubborn stains, use a special bathtub brush)
- Rinse with water, then dry
2. Covering the bathtub
After cleaning or draining, immediately close the place that serves to hold water.
3. Burying
If there are items in the house that are no longer used, immediately bury or recycle them.
4. Cleaning the trash can
Clean it once a week to prevent it from becoming a hotbed of disease. Here's how:
- Use gloves to pick up any debris that sticks to the bin
- Wash with water
- Use carbolic disinfectant liquid to remove odors while killing germs
- Brush the entire surface of the trash can
- Then rinse and dry
5. Sweeping and mopping the floors
This can help get rid of disease-causing germs that stick to the floor surface. When mopping, use a carbolic liquid or floor cleaner that contains disinfectant.
6. Avoiding the habit of hanging clothes up in piles.
7. Dry your clothes immediately when you finish washing them.
8. Use anti-mosquito products.
9. Implementing fogging if dengue cases are found in our neighborhood.
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