Help prevent the spread of dengue through your home and community

6 mins
Community action prevent dengue mosquito bites. Living in dengue mosquito endemic areas
Preventing a dengue mosquito bite when travelling to dengue areas.
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No cure exists for dengue, so prevention is key

The threat of dengue is rising fast. Cases have increased 30-50 fold in some areas over a period of just 50 years.1 Based on the current trajectory, one study predicts that over six billion people will be at risk of dengue fever by 2080.2

 

As there is no cure for dengue, preventing it from happening in the first place (by avoiding mosquito bites) is especially important.3 If you live in a dengue endemic area, there are many things you can do to help prevent the spread of dengue and help keep you and your community safe.4

 

Help protect your family from dengue: keep the mosquitos out

Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito species, so controlling mosquito populations is an important way to reduce its impact.3,5,6 Aedes mosquitos prefer to breed in artificial water containers, such as bottles, plant pots, tires, and even fridge trays.7,8 Their eggs can survive for up to one year in dry conditions – only hatching when they come into contact with water.8

“Aedes mosquito lays eggs in stagnant water which can survive up to one year. The eggs can withstand dry conditions and hatch when water is available. Therefore, it is vital to keep neighborhoods clean and free of receptacles that attract the dengue carrying mosquitos.”

 

– World Health Organization8

Ways to help reduce mosquito populations and prevent dengue in your home

  • Cover water storage containers, empty and clean them every week9

  • Empty or remove containers that hold standing water, such as tires, buckets and plant pots9

  • Put up window and door screens in your home to stop mosquitos from entering your home3,6,9

  • Use insect repellents, mosquito coils and vaporizers, and insecticide-treated materials in your home3

  • If available, use traps for mosquitos, such as ovitraps6

  • Turn on the air conditioning to keep your home cool6

Coming together as a community to fight dengue

“The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized that dengue control in Sri Lanka could not be achieved by the health sector alone and advocated for community involvement.”

 

– World Health Organization10

You and your community have a key role in helping to prevent dengue spread – especially when it comes to removing mosquito breeding sites.11 By using multiple mosquito control methods at the same time, people and communities can help stop an outbreak.12 The importance of engaging communities during outbreaks has been seen in Singapore where initiatives to tackle dengue through various control measures including coordinated community engagement campaigns, have been successful.13 Members are encouraged to take personal responsibility for mosquito prevention with actions such as emptying out water vases to prevent mosquito breeding.13 Also, in Mexico, the patio limpio campaign, raises awareness of dengue among the community. The locals also help identify, monitor, and destroy mosquito breeding sites systematically in households.14 For instance, in one Mexican state, households that did not participate in the campaign had well over double the risk of developing dengue than those that did.14

 

The role of public health organizations and vaccines

Public health organizations can help engage, educate and empower communities such as yours. In Singapore, a government-led traffic light system tells residents about the number of people becoming ill with dengue in their community. It reminds them what to do to help reduce the risk of infection in red or yellow zones and to remain vigilant in green zones.15

 

In some cases, public health organizations have joined forces to help the community tackle dengue. The WHO and the Ministry of Health launched a campaign in Sri Lanka to educate the community on clearing dengue mosquito breeding sites.10 This initiative halved the number of hospital stays caused by dengue fever and, according to the WHO, may have helped avoid major outbreaks.10

 

Vaccines are another way to help prevent dengue spreading.16 They may both, help protect the person vaccinated from the complications of dengue and prevent its spread through their community.16,17 In fact, vaccines have recently become available for dengue, and several additional candidates are in development too;3,18,19 the Dengue Vaccine Initiative has been launched to encourage the development and use of vaccines to help prevent dengue cases throughout the world.20

“A vaccine can help prevent dengue, which is caused by four distinct, but closely related dengue viruses, DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.”

 

– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention21

Despite these efforts, dengue continues to spread…

Unfortunately, even with global and local efforts, the burden of dengue is ever increasing.3 It is vital that communities and public health organizations continue working together to action integrated approaches for the prevention and control of dengue.

 

Though often asymptomatic or mild, dengue can quickly become a life-threatening emergency for 1 in 20 people who develop symptoms when they are originally infected.3,22 Speak to your doctor for more information on how to help prevent dengue in your home and community.

 

 

Related content
Get a dengue game plan

In areas affected by dengue, mosquitoes can be found in unexpected places. Watch this video to learn about the potential threat of the dengue virus and the importance of seeking advice from a doctor to help protect against it.

01:08

References

  1. Mondal N. Lancet. 2023;401(10378):727-728.

  2. Messina JP, et al. Nat Microbiol. 2019;4(9):1508-1515.

  3. WHO. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed January 2024.

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/prevention/index.html Accessed January 2024.

  5. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/activities/engaging-communities-to-sustain-dengue-vector-control Accessed January 2024.

  6. Nature.com. Available at: https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/controlling-dengue-outbreaks-22403714/ Accessed January 2024.

  7. Gubler DJ. et al. Trop Med Health. 2011;39(4 Suppl):3-11.

  8. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/srilanka/news/detail/08-07-2019-preventive-action-is-vital-to-curtail-dengue-outbreaks-in-sri-lanka. Accessed January 2024.

  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/signs-symptoms. Accessed January 2024.

  10. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/about/accountability/results/who-results-report-2020-mtr/country-story/2022/community-engagement-for-sustainable-dengue-outbreak-prevention-and-control Accessed January 2024.

  11. Pan American Health Organization. Available at: https://www.paho.org/en/news/3-8-2023-dengue-cases-increase-globally-vector-control-community-engagement-key-prevent-spread# Accessed January 2024.

  12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/during-an-outbreak/index.html. Accessed August 2024.

  13. Sim S, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2020;14(8):e0008428.

  14. Tapia-Conyer R, et al. Paediatr Int Child Health. 2012;32 Suppl 1(s1):10-3.

  15. National Environment Agency. Dengue Community Alert System. Available at: https://www.nea.gov.sg/dengue-zika/dengue/dengue-community-alert-system. Accessed January 2024.

  16. Rather IA, et al. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2017;7:336.

  17. European Medicines Agency. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/new-vaccine-protect-people-eu-and-worldwide-against-dengue. Accessed January 2024.

  18. Ooi EE, et al. Sci Transl Med. 2023;15(704):eadh3067.

  19. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/05-10-2023-message-by-the-director-of-the-department-of-immunization--vaccines-and-biologicals-at-who---september-2023 Accessed January 2024.

  20. Pan American Health Organization. Available at: https://www3.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5813:2011-regional-meeting-dengue-vaccine-initiative-brazil-analyzed-advances-challenges&Itemid=0&lang=fr#gsc.tab=0 Accessed January 2024.

  21. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/dengue/index.html. Accessed January 2024.

  22. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/healthcare-providers/clinical-presentation.html Accessed January 2024.

  23. Tozan Y, et al. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2019;100(6):1525-1533.

  24. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dengue/. Accessed January 2024.

  25. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/news/item/11-06-2019-dengue-increase-likely-during-rainy-season-who-warns Accessed February 2024.

  26. Kolimenakis A, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2021;15(9):e0009631.

  27. Wongkoon S, et al. Indian J Med Res. 2013;138(3):347-53.

  28. Gov.uk. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mosquito-bite-avoidance-for-travellers/mosquito-bite-avoidance-advice-for-travellers--2. Accessed February 2024.

  29. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/resources/repellents.html Accessed February 2024.

  30. UNICEF. Available at: https://www.unicef.org/rosa/stories/dengue-how-keep-children-safe Accessed February 2024.

  31. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vector-borne-diseases/prevention/index.html Accessed February 2024.

Help keep yourself safe from dengue when traveling abroad, dengue is a threat in more destinations than before

Dengue is spreading at an alarming rate: before 1970, dengue was only present in a handful of countries but it now exists in over 100 countries worldwide.11 With cases of dengue rising in travelers from regions such as Europe, it is more important than ever to take preventative measures if you are travelling to a dengue endemic area.23

 

Preventing dengue on your trip

While you can’t completely protect yourself from dengue if you are traveling to an endemic country, there are things you can do to minimize your risk. We look at some tips below.

 

Research your destination well in advance

Before you travel, check health notices and warnings, as well as country-specific recommendations to find out whether you will be at risk. Bear in mind that, less and less places are now dengue free – some countries previously without dengue have recently reported cases of this disease.

 

You can check your own government’s travel advice or the websites of the World Health Organization, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

 

If you are traveling to a dengue-endemic area, prepare against mosquitos before you go

“If you’re in a country where dengue is found, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.”

 

– NHS24

The risk of a dengue mosquito bite can increase during the rainy season
Dengue treatment, prevent dengue mosquito bites, dengue mosquito bite relief
Risk of dengue mosquito bite day or night
Prevent dengue mosquito bite eg through dengue mosquito repellent
Prevent a dengue mosquito bite at night through use of a dengue mosquito net
Loose fitting clothes help prevent a dengue mosquito bite day or night

Though often asymptomatic or mild, dengue can quickly become a life-threatening emergency for 1 in 20 people infected.3,22 See your doctor before you travel to a dengue endemic country for advice on how to help prevent this disease when you are abroad.

 

 

Related content
Get a dengue game plan

In areas affected by dengue, mosquitoes can be found in unexpected places. Watch this video to learn about the potential threat of the dengue virus and the importance of seeking advice from a doctor to help protect against it.

01:08

References

  1. Mondal N. Lancet. 2023;401(10378):727-728.

  2. Messina JP, et al. Nat Microbiol. 2019;4(9):1508-1515.

  3. WHO. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed January 2024.

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/prevention/index.html Accessed January 2024.

  5. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/activities/engaging-communities-to-sustain-dengue-vector-control Accessed January 2024.

  6. Nature.com. Available at: https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/controlling-dengue-outbreaks-22403714/ Accessed January 2024.

  7. Gubler DJ. et al. Trop Med Health. 2011;39(4 Suppl):3-11.

  8. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/srilanka/news/detail/08-07-2019-preventive-action-is-vital-to-curtail-dengue-outbreaks-in-sri-lanka. Accessed January 2024.

  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/signs-symptoms. Accessed January 2024.

  10. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/about/accountability/results/who-results-report-2020-mtr/country-story/2022/community-engagement-for-sustainable-dengue-outbreak-prevention-and-control Accessed January 2024.

  11. Pan American Health Organization. Available at: https://www.paho.org/en/news/3-8-2023-dengue-cases-increase-globally-vector-control-community-engagement-key-prevent-spread# Accessed January 2024.

  12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/during-an-outbreak/index.html. Accessed August 2024.

  13. Sim S, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2020;14(8):e0008428.

  14. Tapia-Conyer R, et al. Paediatr Int Child Health. 2012;32 Suppl 1(s1):10-3.

  15. National Environment Agency. Dengue Community Alert System. Available at: https://www.nea.gov.sg/dengue-zika/dengue/dengue-community-alert-system. Accessed January 2024.

  16. Rather IA, et al. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2017;7:336.

  17. European Medicines Agency. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/new-vaccine-protect-people-eu-and-worldwide-against-dengue. Accessed January 2024.

  18. Ooi EE, et al. Sci Transl Med. 2023;15(704):eadh3067.

  19. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/05-10-2023-message-by-the-director-of-the-department-of-immunization--vaccines-and-biologicals-at-who---september-2023 Accessed January 2024.

  20. Pan American Health Organization. Available at: https://www3.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5813:2011-regional-meeting-dengue-vaccine-initiative-brazil-analyzed-advances-challenges&Itemid=0&lang=fr#gsc.tab=0 Accessed January 2024.

  21. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/dengue/index.html. Accessed January 2024.

  22. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/healthcare-providers/clinical-presentation.html Accessed January 2024.

  23. Tozan Y, et al. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2019;100(6):1525-1533.

  24. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dengue/. Accessed January 2024.

  25. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/news/item/11-06-2019-dengue-increase-likely-during-rainy-season-who-warns Accessed February 2024.

  26. Kolimenakis A, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2021;15(9):e0009631.

  27. Wongkoon S, et al. Indian J Med Res. 2013;138(3):347-53.

  28. Gov.uk. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mosquito-bite-avoidance-for-travellers/mosquito-bite-avoidance-advice-for-travellers--2. Accessed February 2024.

  29. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/resources/repellents.html Accessed February 2024.

  30. UNICEF. Available at: https://www.unicef.org/rosa/stories/dengue-how-keep-children-safe Accessed February 2024.

  31. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vector-borne-diseases/prevention/index.html Accessed February 2024.

It’s time to talk about dengue

With dengue cases rising and no specific cure available, prevention is key1,2

 

Learn how to help protect yourself from mosquito bites and from dengue.

 

Contact your local health expert to talk about how to help prevent dengue.

Analogue alarm clock with mosquito on the edge
Analogue alarm clock with mosquito on the edge
  1. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed February 2024.
  2. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON498#. Accessed February 2024.

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Learn how dengue has impacted the lives of some patients and families

 

Watch & Listen

Mother and daughter sitting side by side looking concerned
Mother and daughter sitting side by side looking concerned

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Aedes aegypti mosquito

Test your knowledge of dengue!

Can bites from male or female dengue-carrying mosquitoes infect humans?

Male bites
Female bites

Correct

 

Male mosquitoes feed on flower nectar and fruit juices and not blood.1 Only female mosquitoes feed on hosts such as humans, whose blood provides the protein they need to help their eggs develop.1

 

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect you have symptoms of dengue or have questions about your risk.

 

Learn more about dengue.

  1. The National Environment Agency. Vector Borne Diseases. Available at: https://www.nea.gov.sg/corporate-functions/resources/research/wolbachia-aedes-mosquito-suppression-strategy/male-mosquitoes-do-not-bite. Accessed January 2024.

Incorrect

 

Diseases such as dengue are not spread to humans by the bites of male Aedes mosquitoes; in fact, they don’t even bite humans.1 Only female mosquitoes feed on hosts such as humans, whose blood provides the protein they need to help their eggs develop.1

 

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect you have symptoms of dengue or have questions about your risk.

 

Learn more about dengue or try again!

  1. The National Environment Agency. Vector Borne Diseases. Available at: https://www.nea.gov.sg/corporate-functions/resources/research/wolbachia-aedes-mosquito-suppression-strategy/male-mosquitoes-do-not-bite. Accessed January 2024.

Survey Question 7

Test your knowledge of dengue!

By about how much has the number of reported dengue cases increased in the last two decades?

8-fold
4-fold

Correct

 

The number of reported dengue cases has increased over eightfold in the last two decades, from 505,430 cases in 2000 to over 4.2 million in 2019.1

 

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you have questions about your risk.

 

Learn more about dengue.

 

  1. Zeng Z, et al. EClinicalMedicine. 2021;32:100712.

Incorrect

 

The number of reported dengue cases has increased over eightfold in the last two decades, from 505,430 cases in 2000 to over 4.2 million in 2019.1

 

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you have questions about your risk.

 

Learn more about dengue or try again!

 

  1. Zeng Z, et al. EClinicalMedicine. 2021;32:100712.

Survey Question 8

Test your knowledge of dengue!

By what other name is dengue sometimes referred to?

Breakbone fever
Brittle bone fever

Correct

 

Dengue is also known as ‘breakbone fever’ due to the severe muscle and joint pain that can occur in some symptomatic patients.1

 

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you have questions about your risk.

 

Learn more about dengue.

 

  1. 8. Whitehorn J and Farrar J. British Medical Bulletin. 2010; 95:161-173.

 

Dengue has historically been known as ‘breakbone fever’, due to the severe muscle and joint pain that can occur in some symptomatic patients.1

 

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you have questions about your risk.

 

Learn more about dengue or try again!

 

  1. Whitehorn J and Farrar J. British Medical Bulletin. 2010; 95:161-173.

Survey Question 9

Test your knowledge of dengue!

Is there a specific cure or treatment available for dengue?

Yes
No

Correct

 

There is no specific treatment for dengue – the focus is on managing the symptoms. Most cases of dengue fever can be treated at home, however, for those who develop severe dengue, hospitalization is often needed.1

 

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect you have symptoms of dengue.

 

Learn more about dengue.

 

  1. World Health Organization [WHO]. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed May 2024.

Incorrect

 

There is no specific treatment for dengue – the focus is on managing the symptoms. Most cases of dengue fever can be treated at home, however, for those who develop severe dengue, hospitalization is often needed.1

 

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect you have symptoms of dengue.

 

Learn more about dengue or try again!

 

  1. World Health Organization [WHO]. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed May 2024.

Explore our resources to learn more about the risk of dengue and how you could help protect yourself and your loved ones

 

Resource centre

Father and daughter sitting side by side smiling while looking at mobile phone screen
Father and daughter sitting side by side smiling while looking at mobile phone screen

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