The Hindu : National : WHO guidelines for prevention of dengue

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Oct 13, 2006
ePaper

National

National

WHO guidelines for prevention of dengue

Aarti Dhar

Asks countries in Southeast Asia to intensify surveillance

NEW DELHI: In the wake of dengue outbreak in India and in some Asian countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has asked all its member-countries in the Southeast Asian Region to intensify surveillance activities, including laboratory confirmation, to detect potential outbreak areas in time and to implement timely epidemic control measures.

Breeding grounds

Elimination of mosquito breeding sites should begin early.

The dengue mosquito is a highly domestic one and its favoured breeding grounds are water coolers, uncovered overhead tanks, old discarded tyres, water storage jars, drip pans below refrigerators and air-conditioners, empty tins and plastic containers, and plastic trays under potted plants. These should be targeted in clean-up campaigns.

If dengue is suspected, it is important to consult a physician. Parents should be alert to the dangers of dengue and encouraged to take any child with fever for treatment. Most adult patients with dengue will recover at home, using paracetamol to control fever and pain.

The WHO has, however, warned against the use of ibuprofen or salicylic acid (aspirin) as they contribute to bleeding in dengue. Patients should drink plenty of fluids (oral rehydration solution and fruit juices are recommended) while on bed rest and should be kept under mosquito nets.

Clean environment

Doctors and nurses should have updated patient management guidelines and the necessary training so that they can recognise dengue quickly, and provide appropriate treatment. Efforts should be made by hospital authorities to maintain a mosquito-free environment in and around hospital premises, the WHO has suggested.

Resident welfare associations (RWAs) should activate a plan to ensure that vacant plots and unoccupied houses are included in the cleaning effort, as although the flight of the dengue mosquito is short, it does include the immediate neighbourhood.

The dengue mosquito is a day-biter and mostly of indoor variety. Hence it is important that during an outbreak, people wear garments that cover their arms and legs, and parents must remember to use mosquito nets/ insecticide-treated nets for children, particularly during the daytime.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National