Dealing With Mosquitoes

Malaria, dengue fever, Japanese Encephalitis and Chikungunya disease are diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. Dengue fever and Chikungunya are diseases that are caused by viruses and spread by the bite of the Aedes mosquito.

Chikungunya disease originates from Africa, as indicated by its name; derived from the Makonde root verb kungunyala, meaning “to dry up or become contorted”,or more specifically, as “that which bends up”. Chikungunya has effects which persist for a long time or are chronic. In fact, this is one of the main differences between Chikungunya and dengue. Even after the fever has subsided, problems such as joint pains could persist for several months.

Until February 21, 2009, a total of 8920 dengue cases and 23 deaths were reported nationwide since 2009. This is a 158% increase compared to the same period last year – 5646 cases and 10 deaths. The Klang Valley reported majority of the cases while the others occurred mostly in Perak, Johor, Penang and Sarawak. In addition, 883 cases of Chikungunya have also been reported during the same time period this year.

Differences in Symptoms
Dengue	Chikungunya
Can cause death Symptoms include: sudden continuous high fever; acute pain in bones, muscles, joints, eyeballs and head; red rash; loss of appetite; vomiting; stomach pain; and if severe, bleeding from body, nose and mouth	No cases of death so far, but patients suffer from chronic painful symptoms Symptoms similar to dengue include: sudden high fever lasting for 1 to 7 days (usually 5 days), facial redness, severe joint pains, body rash and headache. Joint pain can be prolonged for few months

Prevention

Eliminating mosquito breeding areas can be an extremely effective and simple to perform, without resorting to insecticides. Many mosquitoes breed in standing or stagnant water. Ensure that there are no mosquito breeding grounds around your home. Empty water from containers eg flower vases, water coolers, overhead tanks, pails, pet dishes and bird baths. Remove unused plastic pools, old tyres, or buckets; clear clogged gutters and repair leaks around faucets.

Getting Rid of Breeding Grounds

Protecting Your Children and Family

Cover water containers. Remove any water in unused open containers as frequently as possible. Chemical control. Add adequate amounts of larvicide (TEMEPHOS 10g per 20 gallons or Abate) every 3 months into water storage to kill larvae. Biological control. Rearing fishes such as Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), cyprinids (carps and minnows), killifish, tilapia and Gourami as they will consume mosquito larvae.

Prevent entry of mosquitoes. Use air conditioning systems for the home or install insect screens on windows. Use mosquito nets when sleeping. Use mosquito repellents that have a 30% DEET concentration. Pregnant women and children below age 12 should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using one. Do not use repellent on babies under 3 months. Instead, use bed nets. Cover the body to prevent mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Analysis of dengue-related deaths in 2008 showed that 90% of them could have been prevented if patients had sought early treatment. Report any suspected cases to the health authorities for fogging to be carried out in your area.