Beware of the bite, keep homes clean, warn docs

Unlike Anopheles mosquito, Aedes breeds in clean stagnant water

As Mumbai witnessed the first high profile dengue death after legendary film producer Yash Chopra succumbed to the disease, city doctors are warning urban and semi-urban population to ensure that their homes don't become breeding grounds for the dengue causing mosquito.

The Aedes mosquito, which causes the disease, infects a person with dengue when it transmits any of the four dengue causing viruses. Unlike the malaria causing Anopheles mosquito, the aedes breeds in clean stagnant water.

"Homes and even office areas can well become hotspots of aedes breeding. Water when collected in flower pots or vases can be a breeding spot for the mosquito. Half filled containers in the kitchen and even water collected in AC ducts can be breeding grounds. In office areas, drainage pipes and even water collection spaces can become breeding spots," said Dr Shahid Barmare, senior physician at Kohinoor Hospital.

Another important distinguishing trait between the anopheles and the aedes is that the latter usually bites during the day. "It is important for homes to be well lit and natural sunlight is allowed to come into the rooms," Barmare said.

While the mortality rate due to dengue is estimated to be less than 1 per cent, experts say that those diagnosed with dengue must be extra cautious if they are aged, pregnant or suffering from a co-morbid condition.

"Like any other disease, early detection is extremely important. Also, there should be extra caution taken if the person suffers from a co-morbid condition like lung ailments or asthma etc," said Dr Tanu Singhal, infection specialist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

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