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Dengue is a risk in Dhaka all year, not only in one season. The mosquito that spreads it likes clean, still water. A small pot, a tray or a blocked drain is enough for it to lay eggs. The good news is that most of this can be stopped at home, with a few minutes of work each week.
This guide gives you a simple weekly routine. It is for families, and it is calm advice, not a warning of a new outbreak.
#Where do dengue mosquitoes breed around the home?
WHO says the mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day. They breed in places where water collects and stays. Think of any spot that can hold water for a few days:
- Flower pot trays and buckets on the veranda or roof
- Water stored in drums, jars and tanks
- Old tyres, tins, bottles and broken containers
- Air cooler and refrigerator drip trays
- Blocked drains, roof gutters and sunshades
- Plants that hold water, such as money plant in a jar
#A weekly checklist that takes ten minutes
WHO advises that household water storage containers be covered, emptied and cleaned every week. Pick one fixed day, for example after Jumu'ah prayer, and walk through the house with the family.
- Empty. Pour out water from trays, buckets and anything that has collected rain.
- Scrub. Rub the inside walls of stored water containers. Eggs can stick to the sides.
- Cover. Keep stored water tightly covered so mosquitoes cannot get in.
- Throw away. Remove broken pots, old tins and other rubbish that can hold water. Dispose of waste properly.
- Clear. Check that roof drains and gutters flow freely.
- Check the neighbours' side. If a shared roof or lane has standing water, speak kindly to your neighbours. One breeding spot affects many homes.
#How can we avoid mosquito bites during the day?
Because these mosquitoes bite in the daytime, bed nets at night are not enough. WHO lists these general measures:
- Wear clothes that cover as much of the body as possible.
- Use window screens.
- Use a mosquito net if someone sleeps during the day, such as a baby or a sick family member.
For children, dress them in light, full-length clothes when they play outside in the morning and late afternoon. Ask your doctor about anything else you plan to use on a child's skin.
#Which fever signs should families not ignore?
Most people with dengue have mild illness or none. But some become seriously ill, and children can become unwell quickly. WHO says early detection and access to proper medical care greatly lower the risk of death from severe dengue.
Symptoms often start 4 to 10 days after the bite. They can include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and a rash.
Do not give any medicine on your own without asking a doctor. Some common pain medicines are not suitable in dengue, so a doctor should guide you.
#When should you see a child specialist?
Children cannot always tell us how they feel. Watch for a child who is very sleepy, refuses to drink, passes less urine than usual, cries without comfort, or seems unusually weak. These are reasons to call a doctor without delay.
A child specialist can examine your child, tell you what to watch for at home, and say when a hospital visit is needed. You can read more about this in our guide on fever in children.
#What should you tell the doctor?
Write down a few simple facts before you go. When did the fever start? How much is the child drinking? Has the child passed urine in the last six hours or so? Are there any of the warning signs above? Clear facts help the doctor decide faster. Bring any earlier reports you already have.
Also remember that the weekly check protects the whole street. After heavy rain, do the round again, because new pools form quickly. Teach older children to help, so they learn to look for standing water themselves. A habit shared by the family lasts longer than a one-time clean-up.
#What to do next
Start this week. Choose your checking day, walk through the house, and make it a family habit. If your child has a fever, do not wait. Salamah Care in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, can help you reach child specialist doctors and consultants. Please contact us or call 01327-808822 to book an appointment. While your family is with us, you can also ask about our dental care for children.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I empty water containers at home to prevent dengue?
WHO advises covering, emptying and cleaning household water storage containers every week. Plant trays, buckets and drip trays should also be emptied weekly, or after rain.
Do dengue mosquitoes breed only in dirty water?
No. They can breed in clear water that stands in small containers such as pot trays, buckets and tins. That is why a weekly check of the whole home matters.
When should a child with fever see a doctor?
See a doctor the same day for a high fever. Go to a hospital at once for severe belly pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, fast breathing, great weakness or cold, pale skin.
Is dengue a new outbreak in Dhaka?
No. Dengue is a year-round risk in Dhaka. Weekly prevention at home is a steady habit and not a reaction to a new outbreak.
Sources & further reading
Medical disclaimer. This article is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. If you have symptoms, pain or a health concern, please see a clinician. In an emergency call 999.
Need child specialist consultation in Dhaka?
Talk to the Salamah Care team in Mohammadpur. We will listen, explain your options clearly and guide you to the right care.
