National Dengue Day 2024: Must remember these 4 essential ways to keep yourself safe from mosquitoes

Every year, May 16 is observed as 'National Dengue Day' to spread awareness about the mosquito-borne viral infection. Dengue can be prevented with the right treatment and precautions. It is a disease that spreads easily and is endemic in more than 100 countries in the world.

We observe National Dengue Day to spread awareness about the disease and how to tackle it. This year, National Dengue Day falls on Thursday.

How to protect yourself from getting Dengue

Wear full sleeve clothes

To ensure you do not get dengue, keep your body covered. Try to wear clothes with full sleeves as it will prevent mosquitoes from biting you.

Plant mosquito-repellent plants

You should also arrange for mosquito-repellent plants like basil, eucalyptus and lemon grass. These plants will keep away mosquitoes and keep your room fresh!

Avoid stepping out during the day

According to experts, dengue mosquitoes remain active during the day. In such a situation, you should stay at home during the morning hours and avoid stepping out. If you really have to step out, use mosquito repellent creams.

Do not allow dirty water to accumulate

Make sure dirty water does not collect in and around any part of your house and locality.

National Dengue Day 2024 Theme

The theme for this year's National Dengue Day is - 'Dengue Prevention: Our Responsibility for a Safer Tomorrow'. This day emphasises the need to be safe from mosquitoes and how to avoid getting dengue.

History of National Dengue Day

Speaking about the awareness day, the World Health Organisation wrote on their official website, "Dengue epidemics tend to have seasonal patterns, with transmission often peaking during and after rainy seasons. There are several factors contributing to this increase, and they include high mosquito population levels, susceptibility to circulating serotypes, favourable air temperatures, precipitation and humidity, all of which affect the reproduction and feeding patterns of mosquito populations, as well as the dengue virus incubation period. Lack of proactive control interventions and staff are some of the other challenges."

Also watch: Can burning coffee repel mosquitoes? Know all about this viral hack