How one country is getting creative about dengue fever
Dengue fever is a growing global concern, with heavy outbreaks being treated in Mexico, Central America, Africa, Puerto Rico, and even some cases reported in…
Sri Lanka looked at ways to effectively protect people from dengue fever. (Shutterstock)
Dengue fever is a growing global concern, with heavy outbreaks being treated in Mexico, Central America, Africa, Puerto Rico, and even some cases reported in the continental United States.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is increasing the outreach programs designed to address this mosquito-borne illness, but it is estimated one-third of the global population lives in regions susceptible for dengue outbreaks and infections. More than 100 million people globally will be come down with this potentially deadly illness, and 390 million will be considered high-risk.
SEE ALSO: Dengue fever cases four times more common than thought
The WHO is increasing the outreach programs designed to address dengue fever. (Shutterstock)
Because dengue fever can eventually lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), a potentially life-threatening condition, experts are exploring new ways to keep the infection rate under control. DHF begins with symptoms similar to regular dengue; however, after a fever period of 2 to 7 days, blood vessels within the body become permeable, leaking fluid out of the blood stream into the bodys cavities. This condition can cause shock, circulatory system failure and possible death. Survival relies on immediate treatment.
One country has taken control of dengue fever to a new level. Sri Lanka looked at ways to effectively protect people from mosquitoes on a large scale, and what they found to be a reasonable option was something people handle everyday–newspapers.
The newspaper company Mawbina recently circulated their print edition with poster ads coated in citronella, a known, natural insect repellent. The act was in support of World Health Day, and it was so successful that, not only did the papers sell out shortly after release, people huddled in bus stops where the ads had been hung to escape the constant barrage of mosquitoes.
People read the newspaper in the early morning and evening, the time the mosquito strikes,” states a campaign promoting the citronella ads. “The entire newspaper was printed using inks with citronella essence mixed in. As they claim Every letter of every word stopped mosquitoes from biting.”
There has been no mention as to if Mawbina will continue to print their paper with citronella ink, and cost to do so would likely be a consideration. It should be noted, however, that not only did the newspaper sell out completely, the company saw a revenue increase of 30 percent thanks to the ad campaign.
SEE ALSO: Dengue: One-third of the global population at-risk
Citronella has long been a natural means of repelling insects. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, citronella comes from two different blends of grass oil, with the primary ingredients as citronellol, citronellal and geraniol. Though common belief sometimes suggests citronella repels insects, there are no research studies indicating this; most evidence indicates citronella instead masks odors that would otherwise attract biting flies, mosquitoes and other insects.
Oil of citronella is considered to be very safe for both people and the environment. Also, because it does not actually kill insects, it is considered ideal to use in areas where bee pollination or other insect benefits are being monitored.
