Ahmedabad: Usually, there is a significant increase in dengue cases during the monsoon season from July to October. Therefore, every year, the month of July is observed as ‘Anti-Dengue Month’ across the country as a joint initiative by the Central and State Governments. The Central Government, through a notification dated May 16, 2025, celebrated ‘National Dengue Day’ with the theme “Check, Clean, Cover: Steps to Defeat Dengue.” To prevent mosquito breeding and reduce dengue cases and related deaths, various activities are being carried out at the state, district, municipal, urban, and rural levels as part of a widespread campaign, a press release stated.

The Gujarat Government today said it is intensifying efforts to eradicate vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. In June, the Health Department conducted a ‘House-to-House’ campaign across all districts and municipalities of the state to prevent mosquito breeding during the monsoon season and to effectively control vector-borne diseases.

As part of this campaign, more than 1.48 crore houses were directly inspected by over 20,000 health teams statewide. Mosquito breeding sites were found in 1.75 lakh houses and were destroyed on the spot. Additionally, over 5.11 crore locations identified as potential breeding sites were also eliminated. During inspections, around 3.63 lakh individuals with fever were identified, and their blood samples were collected and sent for examination. Citizens were also educated on preventing mosquito breeding and protecting themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.

It is important to note that dengue is caused by an arbovirus and is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bites during the day and can lay eggs even in a teaspoon of clean water. Therefore, flowerpots, ponds, birdbaths, and all water storage containers should be cleaned regularly and kept covered with airtight lids. Useless empty containers, debris, tires, coconut shells, etc., lying in and around homes or on terraces should be disposed of immediately.

To avoid mosquito bites, people are advised to wear full-sleeved clothing, apply anti-mosquito cream on exposed body parts, use insecticide-treated mosquito nets while sleeping, and install mosquito screens on windows and doors. In case of symptoms such as high fever, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, or rashes resembling measles, individuals should immediately visit the nearest government hospital. There is no specific medicine available for dengue or chikungunya, so self-medication should be avoided, and aspirin should not be used for treatment. The Health and Family Welfare Department also advises patients to take plenty of fluids and complete rest during fever. DeshGujarat