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The Department of Health (DOH) recently declared a “national dengue epidemic” as cases continue to rise. From January to July 2019 -- 146,062 dengue cases have been recorded. This is 98% higher than the numbers in 2018, with 622 people who lost their lives this year from the disease.

Keep mosquitoes away and avoid dengue with these home hacks

While local government units are addressing the epidemic situation, the first step to prevent dengue can start from your own homes.

Here are some ways you can prevent mosquitoes from breeding and eradicate dengue.

The DOH recommends The Enhanced 4-S implantation which calls for everyone to be active in controlling the mosquito population and avoiding any possible dengue deaths within the community.

1. Search

Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites. Take note of where mosquitoes frequently stay in your home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so throw out or cover any water container. Tires, blocked drainage, flooded diggings, and even cracked concrete can also be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

2. Secure self-protection

Wear mosquito-repellant, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Dengue is spread by the bite of a female Aedes aegypti mosquito. Despite being daytime biting mosquitoes, they can also bite during the night so it's best to wear an insect repellant regardless of the time.

3. Seek early consultation

The most common symptom of dengue is a fever, also headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pain, rashes, nausea, vomiting, and unusual bleeding (nose or gum bleeding). Watch for signs of dengue and seek professional medical treatment right away after the onset of symptoms. The first 24 to 48 hours of dengue infection are crucial and early treatment is important.

4. Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas

DOH also encourages fogging and spraying in mosquito-breeding hotspots to be done by skilled sprayers to achieve immediate knockdown of mosquitoes.

More tips

• Maintain fly screens on windows, doors, and vents.
• Use insect sprays and mosquito repellant both inside and outside the house.
• Change your pet's drinking bowl regularly.
• Drain rainwater tanks and water storage bins.
• Keep nearby plants trimmed and under control.
• Wear light-colored clothing (mosquitoes are reportedly more attracted to dark colors).

With these simple steps, pesky mosquitoes can be kept away and the battle against dengue can be fought one home at a time.