"Dry Season Means There is No Standing Water? It Means There are No Dengue Mosquitoes!"

The prolonged dry season is often considered as a safe time from the spread of dengue mosquitoes. However, this assumption is not entirely true. Even without standing water, dengue mosquitoes can still breed and spread the diseases, Moms and Dads! 

When the dry season arrives, there is a tendency of an increase in the number of mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus. This phenomenon can be a serious threat to the public’s health. In dry weather conditions, dengue mosquitoes seek places that still have a water source for breeding. Therefore, it is important for us to understand this situation and take the right preventive measures to protect our loved ones from the risk of dengue.¹

One of the reasons why the dry season impacts the increase in dengue mosquitoes is the lack of a clean water supply. These mosquitoes will search for remaining puddles of water, such as open buckets, uncovered water containers, or even small objects that can collect rainwater. During the summer, the egg-laying rate of mosquitoes peaks because the warm temperature accelerates their life cycle. With these conditions, a significant increase in hatched eggs is expected, potentially leading to a drastic rise in dengue cases.²

Therefore, it is crucial for us to regularly drain potential mosquito breeding sites and securely cover all water storage containers we have. 

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the primary vectors of dengue. Although these mosquitoes are more commonly found in humid and wet areas, they can also breed in less noticeable places like flower pots, unused buckets, and rarely used bird baths.³

Apart from that, another dengue mosquito, Aedes albopictus can also transmit the dengue virus. These mosquitoes prefer living in drier areas and can breed in places like old tires, bottles, and cans.⁴

Prevent Now with the #Ayo3MPlusVaksinDBD Movement

Therefore, it is important to remain vigilant against the spread of dengue mosquitoes during the dry season. Some preventive measures that can be taken include:

Draining places that can collect water, such as flower pots, buckets, and rarely used bird baths.

Securing water storage places by covering it up, such as water tanks and containers.

Utilizing and recycling used items. By reusing items like plastic bottles, cans, or other containers, we can create a safer water storage and prevent Aedes aegypti mosquitoes as a dengue vector, from breeding.⁵

Moreover, it is crucial to recognize the symptoms of dengue and seek medical attention quickly if experiencing such symptoms. Early treatment can help prevent more severe complications of dengue.

Furthermore, maintaining environmental cleanliness is also a critical step in dengue prevention. Piles of trash, unused furniture, or neglected plants can serve as hiding places for mosquitoes. By keeping the surroundings clean and eliminating all potential mosquito breeding sites, we can reduce the risk of dengue mosquito bites, Moms and Dads.

It is also crucial to recognize the symptoms of dengue and seek medical treatment quickly if there are indications of the disease. Regular check-ups and consultations with a doctor will aid in early management and prevent more severe complications. Also, consulting with a doctor to obtain information about vaccination is also a crucial step in preventing dengue for oneself and loved ones.⁶ Consulting with a doctor provides accurate knowledge about recommended vaccinations and ensures better outcomes.

The main essence, Moms and Dads! During the dry season, it is important to stay vigilant against dengue mosquitoes. By taking preventive measures such as draining, covering, maintaining cleanliness, and consulting with a doctor, we can protect ourselves and the community from the spread of dengue. Maintaining good health and staying vigilant during this dry season because prevention is the key to ensuring the well-being of us all.

This article is intended for public information and awareness, and for educational purposes. The article is not intended as a form of medical advice. This article has been supervised by: Dr. Carissa R.V Pratiwi.

  C-ANPROM/ID/QDE/0064 | July 2023

References:

1. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia  (2023). Preventing Dengue Spread During the Dry Season. Available at: https://upk.kemkes.go.id/new/cegah-penyebaran-dbd-di-musim-kemarau (Accessed on July 2, 2023).
2. Jawa Barat Province Open Data. (2023). El Nino Arrives, Dengue Fever Cases Predicted to Continue Growing. Available at: https://opendata.jabarprov.go.id/id/artikel/el-nino-datang-kasus-demam-berdarah-diprediksi-terus-berkembang (Accessed on July 2, 2023).
3. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia  (2019). Dengue Mosquito Easily Attacks. Available at: http://p2p.kemkes.go.id/nyamuk-dbd-mudah-menyerang/ (Accessed on July 2, 2023).
4. Illinois Department of Public Health (2020). Asian Tiger Mosquito. Available at: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control/asian-tiger-mosquito.html (Accessed on July 2, 2023).
5. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia  (2019). Dengue Prevention Efforts with 3M Plus. Available at: https://promkes.kemkes.go.id/upaya-pencegahan-dbd-dengan-3m-plus/ (Accessed on July 2, 2023).
6. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia  (2023). Preventing Dengue Spread During the Dry Season. Available at: https://upk.kemkes.go.id/new/cegah-penyebaran-dbd-di-musim-kemarau (Accessed on July 2, 2023).