3 measures to prevent chikungunya

The Aedes mosquito – the same mosquito that transmits dengue fever – is also the mosquito that transmits chikungunya. Therefore, to prevent mosquito-borne diseases, it is necessary to pay attention to their "life cycle".

According to the Department of Disease Prevention ( Ministry of Health ), Aedes mosquitoes usually perch in dark corners of houses, on clothes, blankets, clotheslines, and other household items. They lay eggs and breed in ponds, puddles, or containers of clean water in and around the house, such as water tanks, jars, pots, wells, tree hollows, and other objects or discarded items containing water, such as flower vases, water bowls on shelves, car tires, and coconut shells. Aedes mosquitoes thrive during the rainy season.

Therefore, to eliminate disease-carrying Aedes mosquitoes, a combination of three measures is needed: eliminating mosquito breeding grounds; using mosquito repellent and extermination methods; and spraying insecticides when necessary.

This includes eliminating mosquito breeding grounds by: covering all water containers to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs; introducing fish into large water containers (tanks, wells, jars, etc.) to eat mosquito larvae; and changing and cleaning medium and small water containers (pots, jars, etc.) weekly.

The reproductive cycle of the Aedes aegypti mosquito is approximately 10-15 days and is repetitive. Regularly cleaning and changing the water in flower vases prevents mosquito eggs and larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes.

A mosquito trap used to combat the chikungunya outbreak on Réunion Island (France).

Photo: AFP

An important note: avoid stagnant water as it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. This can be achieved by: collecting and disposing of discarded items in and around the house, cleaning the environment, and turning over water containers when not in use. You can also add salt or oil to water in bowls placed under cupboards and cabinets.

Female Aedes mosquitoes transmit diseases and bite humans during the day, with the most intense biting in the early morning and late evening. Therefore, in addition to mosquito control measures, it is necessary to prevent mosquito bites by: wearing long-sleeved clothing; sleeping under a mosquito net, even during the day; using mosquito sprays, mosquito coils, mosquito repellent creams, and electric mosquito rackets; using mosquito nets and screens. Window and door screens can be used to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house. Mosquito repellent can be applied to the skin or clothing according to the instructions on the product label.

Additionally, mosquito nets treated with insecticide can be used to protect young children, the sick, and the elderly from mosquito bites during the day.

People infected with mosquito-borne diseases should stay under mosquito nets and actively avoid mosquito bites using the methods mentioned above, to prevent spreading the disease to others through mosquito bites carrying the virus.

Each family needs to cooperate with the authorities and the health sector in chemical spraying campaigns to prevent disease outbreaks. Chemical spraying should only be carried out according to the instructions of the health authorities, only in areas with outbreaks, ensuring sufficient concentration, at the right time, and using the correct techniques to ensure effective mosquito control and avoid the risk of mosquito resistance.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), during an outbreak, insecticides can be sprayed to kill flying adult mosquitoes, sprayed on the inside and around surfaces of mosquito breeding grounds, and the water in these grounds treated to kill young mosquito larvae. Health authorities can also implement this as an emergency measure to control mosquito populations.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/3-bien-phap-phong-benh-chikungunya-185250811184318991.htm