DATA COLLECTION SURVEY AND DENGUE

EPIDEMIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

DATE:

3/6/2014 to 7/6/2014 and 13/6/2014 to 22/6/2014

PLACE:

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE, ULLANADU

NO OF PARICIPANTS: 20
A social service programme was conducted under the health department in Ullanadu
for taking a survey and creating awareness regarding the rising dengue epidemic. We were
given an opportunity to be a part of their data collection survey. We started off our
programme with a class at the health department regarding the rapid multiplication of
mosquitoes and the need and measures to keep our surroundings clean. We were also given
awareness regarding the dengue epidemic prominent in those areas and about the Aedes
mosquitoes causing the epidemic. We learnt that it reproduces in fresh collected water and
that self-medication must be avoided at all cost when symptoms of fever emerge.

Next we were divided groups of four. We were led by the health inspectors from the
health centre. Each group covered 25 houses in various areas of Ullanad and Pravithanam
.We distributed awareness notices regarding the epidemic, preventive measures and
symptoms. We monitored the surroundings of each house to check for sources of larva. We
also took a data collection survey where we recorded the address, number of persons, persons
having fever, persons affected by dengue if any etc. We also influenced them to keep their
houses and surroundings clean.

We explained that Dengue fever is a viral illness caused by infection with 1 of 4 types
of the dengue virus. When a person recovers from dengue infection they develop a long term
(not always lifetime) immunity to that type, but not the other 3 types. If the person is infected
again with a different virus type, they may develop the more severe form of the illness known
as dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). It is spread by the bite of an infected dengue mosquito
(usually the Aedes aegypti species). There is no spread from human to human. We explained
about the symptoms that it usually takes 3 to 14 days (commonly 4-7 days) between getting
bitten by a dengue virus infected mosquito and becoming sick.
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Dengue fever is more commonly seen in older children and adults. It is characterized
by abrupt onset of high fever lasting 3-7 days, severe frontal headache, pain behind the eyes
and muscle and joint pains. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
and diarrhoea, a blanching rash and sometimes minor bleeding (eg. from nose and gums). The
acute symptoms of dengue fever last up to 10 days. Some people may experience repeated
episodes of fever. Full recovery may be slow and associated with weakness and depression. It
is rarely fatal. Dengue haemorrhagic fever is most commonly seen in children under 15 years
of age but can also occur in adults. It begins with the same symptoms as dengue fever but is
followed by rapid deterioration, bleeding and cardiovascular collapse 2-5 days later. The
duration of DHF depends on the severity of the illness and response to treatment. It can be
fatal. We explained about the treatment procedures.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine. Supportive treatment includes plenty of oral

fluids and paracetamol for relief of fever and body aches and pains. Aspirin and non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs should not be used as they can affect blood clotting. Anyone with
DHF should be hospitalized for fluid replacement and observation. There is no specific
treatment or vaccine. Supportive treatment includes plenty of oral fluids and paracetamol for
relief of fever and body aches and pains. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
should not be used as they can affect blood clotting. Anyone with DHF should be
hospitalized for fluid replacement and observation.

We explained about the things to know about dengue mosquitoes. Only the female
mosquito transmits the virus. They are most active during daylight hours. They rest indoors
in closets, behind curtains and other dark places. Outdoors they rest where it is cool and
shaded. Breeding sites are mainly around the home in containers that can hold water. The
mosquito rarely flies more than 200 metres from its breeding site. They do not breed in dirt
pools on the ground, swamps or dirt storm water drains. The eggs of the mosquito capable of
transmitting dengue are drought resistant and can last over 12 months in receptacles that have
previously held water. The carriage of pot plant saucers, old tyres and any formerly rain filled
receptacles, where dengue mosquitoes exist, could introduce the mosquito.
We discussed about the measures to prevent dengue infection:

Residual spray
Barrier sprays such as outdoor barrier surface spray or similar can be purchased from
supermarkets or applied by pest companies to kill adult mosquitoes harboured in or near the
house. This is a residual surface treatment for use in dark sheltered areas or dark objects inside
houses such as behind wardrobes or cupboards, under tables and chairs, and behind or on
curtains. It can be sprayed on outdoor dark sheltered surfaces close to a house such as under
wash troughs, in accumulations of rubbish or equipment, and in corners on verandahs.
Precautions on any treatment should be read before application.

Personal protective measures

Avoid areas of likely mosquito activity.
Ensure fly screens in houses, caravans and tents are in good condition.
Use protective clothing in outdoor situations including covering feet, legs and arms. Loose,
light coloured clothing is best.
Use personal repellents containing DEET or picaridin on areas of exposed skin in combination
with protective clothing. Repellents only protect against mosquito bites for up to 4 hours, not all
night.
Use electric insecticide devices using repellent treated pads in indoor or enclosed areas.
Use mosquito coils, or candle heated or gas operated devices using insecticide treated pads for
patio and veranda or relatively sheltered or low wind outdoor situations.

Elimination of potential breeding sites

Empty and apply surface spray to any old unused container that has held water eg tyres, plastic
containers, black sheet plastic or pot plant drip trays. Store any containers upside down and
undercover or under a domed tarpaulin in good repair.
Avoid using saucers or drip trays under pot plants. Let pots drain directly onto the ground or
make sure saucers are emptied at least once/week. Wipe their inner surface firmly with a cloth
several times or fill with sand, or apply surface spray or methoprene insecticide pellets.
Empty bird baths and pet drinking water at least weekly and wipe as above, or use methoprene
pellets.
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 Cover and completely seal septic tanks, rainwater tanks or other large water storage containers.
Use methoprene briquettes in unsealed tanks as a temporary measure.
Dispose of rubbish around the yard that may collect water eg plastic sheets or old tarpaulins,
pot plant holders, old wheelbarrows, old tyres, and plastic containers of any type.
Ensure roof gutters drain freely so that pools of water are not left at of methoprene pellets on to
the roof above problem any low points. Throw a small amount gutters.
Fishponds with fish do not breed mosquitoes. Tadpoles do not eat mosquito larvae. Keep
fishponds and frog ponds stocked with fish and do not spray surface spray onto or at the edge of
fishponds.

After the data collection survey all the groups assembled at the health centre and
submitted our survey sheets. We repeated the same routine for 15 days and covered areas namely
Pravithanam, Ullanad, Edapady, Bharananganam. We had a great experience during the 15 days
and the satisfaction that we had contributed to the creation of awareness regarding the dengue
epidemic. We also had a great learning venture under the guidance of the health department and
were able to impart the knowledge we gained about the breeding of deadly mosquitoes and
preventive measures to the public at Ullanadu.