How to Prevent Dengue at Home

Dengue is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Prevention therefore focuses on the mosquito and its breeding places, rather than on avoiding contact with another person. Mosquitoes can breed in small amounts of water, including water left in plant saucers, buckets, roof gutters, discarded containers, pet bowls or uncovered tanks. A tidy indoor space alone does not remove the risk if water collects outside or around a building.

Dengue can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain or chills. These symptoms can have other causes, so they do not establish dengue by themselves. A person with suspected dengue should take steps to avoid further mosquito bites while arranging medical advice, because an infected mosquito may spread the virus to another person.

Empty, scrub, cover or dispose of anything that can hold water. Check balconies, gardens, drains, air-conditioning areas, construction materials and children’s outdoor toys after watering or rain. Keep water-storage containers tightly covered, and change pet drinking water regularly while cleaning the bowl. Clear blocked gutters and arrange for shared outdoor areas to be checked as well.

Keep doors and windows screened where possible, use air conditioning or a mosquito net when suitable, and apply an insect repellent according to its label. Wear loose clothing that covers the arms and legs, especially when mosquitoes are active. Do not apply repellent to irritated skin, and follow product directions for children, pregnancy and combination with sunscreen.

If someone in the household has a fever or suspected dengue, reduce their exposure to mosquitoes during the illness by using screens, a net or repellent as appropriate. Do not share medication without checking with a clinician or pharmacist.

Arrange a GP Consultation for a fever after possible mosquito exposure, particularly if headache, marked muscle or joint pain, chills, rash or unusual bruising develops. A clinician can assess the pattern, examine you and decide whether testing or monitoring is needed.

Seek urgent medical help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, trouble breathing, faintness, confusion, extreme weakness or much less urine. Warning signs can appear as the fever improves, so do not assume recovery is complete when the temperature falls. Until you receive medical advice, avoid aspirin or ibuprofen if dengue is suspected because they may increase bleeding risk.

Ask which symptoms should prompt urgent review, whether you need testing, which fluid and fever medicines are suitable, and how long to avoid mosquito bites if dengue is suspected. Mention recent travel, mosquito exposure, fever timing, any bleeding or easy bruising, and medicines you already take.