Dengue Fever Alert In Qatar

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) on Saturday issued advice to the community on how to protect themselves against the virus that causes dengue fever carried by certain types of mosquitos. The MoPH noted that the recent heavy rainfall in Qatar has contributed to an increase in mosquito breeding in the country. The dengue fever virus has become endemic in more than 100 countries worldwide. Residents should reduce their risk of being bitten by mosquitos, the MoPH said. 

Here are a few important things to know about Dengue fever and some tips for prevention and cure 

How to prevent dengue fever in yourself and your loved ones:

By following these procedures, you can prevent dengue fever for your family and yourself:

• Defend against being bitten by mosquitoes.
• Stop the growth of mosquitoes both inside and outside your house.
• Don't go to places where mosquitoes are common.

Take note of the following recommendations if you are visiting a dengue cluster or an area where mosquitoes are common, or if you live in a neighborhood that has been designated as a dengue cluster

1. Use insect repellent, preferably DEET-containing.

• Use enough to completely cover any exposed skin or clothing when applying it there. 
• Avoid using it below clothes.
• Applying it to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin is not advised.
• Apply it gently around the ears and avoid getting it in your mouth or your eyes.
• Never use a spray directly on your face when using one. Apply it to your face after giving it a quick spray on your hands. Afterward, wash your hands.
• Never let kids access repellents. Apply it to your own hands before applying it to a youngster to ensure safety. Do not put it on a child's hands.
• If a newborn is younger than two months old, do not apply insect repellent to them.

2. Cover your arms and legs by donning long sleeves and long pants.

3. When you sleep, use a mosquito net.

"Wash it off with mild soap and water and stop using the product if you or your child gets a rash or any other adverse reaction from an insect repellent." If the issue doesn't go away, see a doctor, suggests Dr. Chua Ying Ying.

About dengue fever:

The dengue virus, which causes dengue fever, is spread via the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Symptoms of dengue fever include:

• High temperature
• severe headache
• Aches in the body
• joint discomfort
• appetite decline
• emesis
• throwing up,
• Rashes on the skin and
• bleeding from the mucosa

Dengue fever does not have a specific therapy, although resting in bed and consuming enough fluids is crucial. The majority of patients heal in two weeks.

Dengue fever can, however, become severe and result in dengue shock syndrome and dengue hemorrhagic syndrome.

The World Health Organization (WHO) divides dengue into three categories: severe dengue, dengue with warning signals, and dengue without warning signs. Since mild dengue might worsen, it's critical to recognize the warning signals, which include fluid accumulation, mucosal bleeding, fatigue, and stomach pain. Severe dengue can strike even those who don't exhibit any warning symptoms. Severe dengue and fever with warning signs necessitate hospitalization and intensive emergency care.

The Ministry Of Public Health Advices:

The Ministry of Public Health noted that most people who become infected with the dengue fever virus may not develop symptoms. However, some infected individuals may experience flu-like symptoms between four and ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms may include high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, body aches, nausea, and rash. A small number of people develop severe dengue and need medical treatment and, sometimes, hospital admission. The Ministry of Public Health advises anyone experiencing these symptoms to visit their primary health center for necessary medical care.

The Ministry said that members of the community can lower their risk of dengue fever and other infections carried by mosquitos by taking measures to reduce the risk of being bitten by a mosquito.

• Use insect repellent containing DEET when in open areas where mosquitoes may be present. 
• Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs when outdoors. 
• Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible at home or use window screens that keep insects out.
• Avoid having standing water in outdoor containers at home, including buckets, plant pots, and paddling pools, and ensure all water tanks are covered.

The Ministry of Public Health confirms that the possibility of contracting the dengue fever virus remains limited in Qatar. The Ministry is continuing to monitor the situation of dengue fever in Qatar and is working closely with the Ministry of Municipality and other relevant authorities to control the spread of mosquitos.