Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya and Filaria are diseases spread by mosquitoes and are totally preventable. Here are a few tips:

Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya and Filaria are diseases spread by mosquitoes and are totally preventable. Here are a few tips:

• Both malaria and dengue mosquitoes bite during day time.
• It is the female mosquito which bites.
• Dengue mosquito takes three meals in a day while malaria mosquito takes one meal in three days.
• Malaria may infect only one person in the family but dengue will invariably infect multiple members in the family in the same day.
• Malaria fever often presents with chills and rigors. If the fever presents together with joint and muscle pains, one should suspect Chikungunya.
• Both dengue and malaria mosquitoes grow in fresh water collected in the house.
• The filaria mosquito grows in dirty water.
• There should be no collections of water inside the house for more than a week.
• Mosquito cycle takes 7-12 days to complete. So, if any utensil or container that stores water is cleaned properly once in a week, there are no chances of mosquito breeding.
• Mosquitoes can lay eggs in money plant pots or in water tanks on the terrace if they are not properly covered.
• If the water pots for birds kept on terraces are not cleaned every week, then mosquitoes can lay eggs in them.
• Some mosquitoes can lay eggs in broken tires, broken glasses or any container where water can stay for a week.
• Using mosquito nets/repellents in the night may not prevent malaria and dengue because these mosquitoes bite during the day time.
• Both malaria and dengue mosquitoes do not make a sound. Therefore, mosquitoes that do not produce a sound do not cause diseases.
• Wearing full sleeves shirt and trousers can prevent mosquito bites.
• Mosquito repellent can be helpful during the day.
• If you suspect that you have a fever, which can be malaria or dengue, immediately report to the doctor.
• There are no vaccines for malaria and dengue.