16/05/2026
16 May: National Dengue Day
Dengue is one of the most common diseases to plague the people of India. Dengue is caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and is caused by one of the four dengue viruses.
Once you’re infected with the dengue virus, you develop resistance against it and are immune to it for the rest of your life. However you can still be infected by the other three viruses.
It’s also possible to get infected by all 4 viruses in your lifetime. The virus’s symptoms may start appearing within 3-4 days of it entering your body and stay till about at least 10 days.
The symptoms include the common ones such as fever, nausea, vomiting, body ache, fatigue as well as redness and rashes and mild bleeding from the mouth and gums. The symptoms range from mild to severe depending upon your immunity and the severity of the infection. Getting your blood tested is the only one way to diagnose a patient for Dengue.
Here are a few measures, which can help to avoid dengue:
The best way to guard against the disease is to make sure there are no containers outside the house such as on a balcony or in a garden where rain water can collect.
Hygienic surroundings are less likely to breed mosquitos. So don’t let trash like tires, tubes, and coconut shells sit outside the house.
Unlike other mosquitoes, the Aedes aegypti is a daytime feeder, meaning it’s important not to become exposed at peak biting times in the early morning and just before dusk.
The mosquito generally bites below the knee, so wear clothes that at least cover your calves, ankles and feet. Make sure children going out wear clothes that cover their arms, legs and feet completely.
Dengue, also known as “break bone fever” causes very severe joint and muscular pain. Consult a doctor if you have any symptoms of dengue such as fever, severe headache particularly in the forehead, nausea or vomiting.
It’s best to stay smart and avoid mosquito bites to stay away from dengue.
Protect yourself as prevention is better than cure!
Happy National Dengue Day !
