With the monsoon season coming to many parts of India in full force, Dengue has been on a rise with cases spiking in numbers around cities like Pune and Telangana. When dengue fever is on the rise, it is important to take the right preventative measures to make sure you and your loved ones are protected. The primary way to safeguard yourself from dengue is to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate any mosquito breeding sites. If you have been experiencing any symptoms that may typically resemble those of the dengue, like fever, headache, or muscle pain, it is advisable to seek medical attention and take prompt action immediately.

Here is what you can do to protect yourself from dengue in the monsoon season:

When you are outdoors, especially during the day (this is the time that mosquitos are the most active), make sure you have covered yourself with long-sleeved t-shirts and long pants so there is minimum skin exposure. Even when you are indoors and sitting in the balcony, where they might be mosquitos, wear the right type of clothing to keep yourself protected.

Apply EPA- registered insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 as these are helpful in fighting mosquitos. Use mosquito nets for the bedrooms.

They serve as the breeding ground for mosquitoes. Empty any containers that may collect water during the monsoon season such as flower pots, tires, buckets, drums etc.

Be vigilant about the symptoms and seek prompt medical attention whenever you face anything like high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain etc. Even a rash sometimes can be a tell-tale for dengue when it becomes serious. So always be on the lookout for these symptoms.