| If there's one insect that can truly be called a | | | | drip pans, and other places that collect rainwater. |
| pest, it's the mosquito. Incredible as it sounds, this | | | | Many factors contribute to the spread of dengue. |
| tiny insect can cause a host of diseases ranging | | | | These include climate changes brought about by |
| from malaria, filariasis, yellow fever, and | | | | the El Nino phenomenon, increasing urban |
| encephalitis (the inflammation of the brain). | | | | populations, and poverty. Mosquito breeding sites |
| One of the most common diseases transmitted | | | | have also increased due to poor water storage |
| by mosquitoes is dengue and it's found in over 40 | | | | and sewage systems, uncollected garbage, and |
| countries. Since it first appeared in Southeast Asia | | | | infrastructure projects with stagnant pools. Mass |
| in the 1950s, dengue outbreaks have increased | | | | transportation has made it easier for mosquitoes |
| and have been reported in Indonesia, Malaysia, | | | | to reach other areas and move infected humans. |
| India, Burma, and Thailand. | | | | There are two forms of dengue. Dengue fever is |
| Over 2.5 million people are at risk, according to | | | | a severe flu-like illness that affects older children |
| the World Health Organization (WHO). Millions of | | | | and adults but is rarely fatal. It's characterized by |
| infections occur yearly and about 500,000 people | | | | sudden high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes |
| are hospitalized because of dengue. Ninety-five | | | | that worsens with movement, and muscle and |
| percent of those affected are children. | | | | joint pains. Later, a measles-like rash appears on |
| Not all mosquitoes transmit the dengue virus. | | | | the chest and upper limbs and there is nausea and |
| There are over 160 different species but only | | | | vomiting. |
| two cause trouble: the Aedes albopictus and more | | | | The more severe form of the disease is dengue |
| commonly, the Aedes aegypti. Only female | | | | hemorrhagic fever (DHF) which is fatal in children. |
| mosquitoes bite and they're active two hours | | | | Its symptoms are similar to dengue fever but it |
| after sunrise and two hours before sunset. | | | | causes bleeding from the nose, mouth, and gums |
| Mosquitoes normally feast on nectar and plant | | | | and shock leading to death. Other signs of DHF |
| juices. The female needs blood to nourish its eggs. | | | | are severe stomach pain, pale, cold or clammy |
| It becomes infected with the dengue virus when | | | | skin, frequent vomiting, sleepiness, excessive |
| it bites a person suffering from the disease. The | | | | thirst, rapid weak pulse, and difficulty in breathing. |
| infected mosquito then spreads the disease when | | | | If you suspect you have dengue or DHF, see a |
| it bites others. | | | | doctor immediately. Up to 20 percent of people |
| "There is no way to tell if a mosquito is carrying | | | | with severe dengue or DHF may die if not |
| the dengue virus, therefore people must protect | | | | properly diagnosed and treated. To keep your |
| themselves from all mosquito bites," warned | | | | body strong and healthy, eat right and follow a |
| WHO. | | | | regular exercise program. To help you lose |
| Dengue mosquitoes like to hide in closets and | | | | weight, take Phenocal, a safe, natural, and |
| other dark places. Outside, they prefer cool and | | | | effective weight loss supplement that boosts |
| shaded areas such as school grounds, park, and | | | | your metabolism, suppresses your appetite, |
| malls. The female breeds in anything that holds | | | | reduces food cravings, and increases energy |
| stagnant water like barrels, drums, old tires, pots, | | | | levels to keep you in shape. |
| flower vases, bottles, roof gutters, refrigerator | | | | |