Dengue Prevention: Protecting Your Family
Essential information about dengue fever prevention and mosquito control in the Caribbean.
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding gums or nosebleeds
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Extreme restlessness
Call 990 for emergency services or visit the nearest hospital immediately
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are common in Trinidad and Tobago's tropical climate. The disease can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe, life-threatening complications. With year-round transmission risk in our region, prevention is crucial for protecting your family's health.
Understanding the Aedes Aegypti Mosquito
Identification:
- • Small, dark mosquito with white stripes
- • White markings on legs and body
- • About 4-7mm in length
- • Silent flier (doesn't buzz loudly)
Behavior:
- • Bites during daylight hours
- • Most active early morning and late afternoon
- • Prefers to bite ankles and elbows
- • Lives close to human habitation
Breeding Sites: Where Mosquitoes Multiply
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water. Eliminating these breeding sites is the most effective way to control mosquito populations around your home.
- • Water storage containers (drums, tanks)
- • Flower vases and plant saucers
- • Discarded tires and containers
- • Roof gutters and drains
- • Pet water bowls
- • Birdbaths and fountains
- • Coconut shells and bottle caps
- • Construction site puddles
- • Cover all water storage containers
- • Change water in vases every 2-3 days
- • Remove or turn over unused containers
- • Clean gutters regularly
- • Refresh pet water daily
- • Treat ornamental water features
- • Dispose of trash properly
- • Report stagnant water in public areas
The 4 Ds of Dengue Prevention
Eliminate all sources of stagnant water around your home. Check weekly for new breeding sites.
Use repellents, wear protective clothing, and use bed nets to prevent mosquito bites.
Monitor for fever, headache, and body aches. Seek medical attention early for proper diagnosis.
Work with neighbors and community groups to eliminate breeding sites in your area.
Personal Protection Measures
Clothing:
- • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when possible
- • Choose light-colored clothing (mosquitoes prefer dark colors)
- • Treat clothing with permethrin-based repellents
- • Cover exposed skin, especially ankles and arms
Repellents:
- • Use EPA-approved repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- • Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing
- • Reapply as directed on the product label
- • Use child-safe formulations for children over 2 months
Home Protection:
- • Install or repair window and door screens
- • Use air conditioning when available
- • Sleep under bed nets if necessary
- • Use fans (mosquitoes are weak fliers)
Recognizing Dengue Symptoms
Early recognition of dengue symptoms is crucial for proper medical care and preventing complications.
- • Sudden onset of high fever (104°F/40°C)
- • Severe headache
- • Pain behind the eyes
- • Muscle and joint aches
- • Nausea and vomiting
- • Skin rash (may appear later)
- • Severe abdominal pain
- • Persistent vomiting
- • Rapid breathing
- • Bleeding gums
- • Blood in vomit
- • Extreme fatigue
- • Restlessness
Home Care and Treatment
Do:
- • Rest and stay hydrated with water, ORS, or coconut water
- • Use paracetamol/acetaminophen for fever and pain
- • Monitor temperature and symptoms closely
- • Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen
- • Prevent mosquito bites to avoid spreading the virus
Don't:
- • Take aspirin or ibuprofen (increases bleeding risk)
- • Ignore warning signs
- • Self-medicate with antibiotics
- • Delay seeking medical care if symptoms worsen
Community Prevention Efforts
Neighborhood Actions:
- • Organize community clean-up days
- • Share information about breeding sites
- • Report abandoned properties with stagnant water
- • Support local vector control programs
Government Support:
- • Contact your Regional Health Authority for assistance
- • Report mosquito breeding sites to authorities
- • Participate in community education programs
- • Support public health initiatives
Special Considerations
- • Extra precautions needed
- • Risk of transmission to baby
- • Immediate medical care if symptoms develop
- • Use pregnancy-safe repellents
- • Consult healthcare provider regularly
- • Higher risk of severe complications
- • Watch for dehydration signs
- • Use age-appropriate repellents
- • Ensure proper clothing coverage
- • Seek medical care promptly
Dengue prevention requires consistent effort from individuals, families, and communities. By eliminating mosquito breeding sites, protecting ourselves from bites, and working together as a community, we can significantly reduce the risk of dengue transmission in Trinidad and Tobago. Remember: a few minutes of prevention each week can protect your family's health all year round.