Protecting Yourself Against Dengue Fever

Between June 8-14, Jalisco reported 20 more cases of dengue fever, bringing the total of cases to 358 in 2014; 264 classic and 94 hemorrhagic, as reported by the local health department.

Puerto Vallarta was the municipality the most new cases recorded, with eight, followed by Tomatlán, five, Zapotiltic with three and Cihuatlán, Casimiro Castillo and Guadalajara, with one case each.

Of the 20 affected, 19 had classic dengue, while the remaining was hemorrhagic and was registered in Puerto Vallarta.

Nationally, Jalisco ranks sixth for dengue cases, representing 6.4% of the whole country, which records 4984 cases nationwide.

Protection is important:
There is no vaccine available against dengue, and there are no specific medications to treat a dengue infection. This makes prevention the most important step, and prevention means avoiding mosquito bites when living in Puerto Vallarta, or other endemic areas.

The best way to reduce mosquitoes is to eliminate the places where the mosquito lays her eggs, like artificial containers that hold water in and around the home. Outdoors, clean water containers like pet and animal watering containers, flower planter dishes or cover water storage barrels. Look for standing water indoors such as in vases with fresh flowers and clean at least once a week.

The adult mosquitoes like to bite inside as well as around homes, during the day and at night when the lights are on. To protect yourself, use repellent on your skin while indoors or out. When possible, wear long sleeves and pants for additional protection. Also, make sure window and door screens are secure and without holes. If available, use air-conditioning.

If someone in your house is ill with dengue, take extra precautions to prevent mosquitoes from biting the patient and going on to bite others in the household. Sleep under a mosquito bed net if possible, eliminate mosquitoes you find indoors and wear repellent!