Dengue is a serious illness. It's a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, and it can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe complications, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
Preventing mosquito bites and reducing mosquito breeding sites are crucial in areas where dengue is prevalent.
WHAT IS DENGUE?
Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected "Aedes" mosquitoes, primarily "Aedes aegypti" and "Aedes albopictus". These mosquitoes are most active during the early morning and late afternoon.
Symptoms of Dengue:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash (appears 2-5 days after the onset of fever)
- Mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleeding, or easy bruising)
In severe cases, dengue can lead to:
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF): Characterized by bleeding, blood plasma leakage, and low platelet count.
Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS): A more severe form that can lead to shock, organ failure, and death if not treated promptly.
HOW TO PREVENT DENGUE?
Since there is no specific treatment for dengue and no widely available vaccine for all dengue strains, prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and controlling mosquito populations.
1. Avoid Mosquito Bites:
Use Insect Repellents: Apply insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing. DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective.
Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, socks, and shoes to minimize skin exposure.
Use Mosquito Nets: Sleep under a mosquito net, especially during the day when "Aedes" mosquitoes are most active.
Stay in Screened or Air-Conditioned Areas: Keep doors and windows closed, or ensure screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out.
2. Control Mosquito Populations:
Eliminate Breeding Sites: Aedes mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly empty, clean, or cover containers that hold water, such as buckets, flower pots, and bird baths.
Use Larvicides: In areas where water cannot be drained, use larvicides to kill mosquito larvae.
Community Efforts: Engage in community clean-up campaigns to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
3. Awareness and Early Detection:
Community Awareness: Educate people in your community about the risks of dengue and the importance of prevention.
Seek Medical Attention: If you suspect you have dengue, especially if you develop severe symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Early detection and supportive care can reduce the risk of severe complications.
Preventing dengue requires a combination of personal protection, environmental management, and community cooperation.
Roselle, a member of Hibiscus family, is a very well-known medicinal plant and the plant can be found in almost all tropical and subtropical countries such as India, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Sudan, Egypt and Mexico.
In Malaysia, Roselle is commonly known as asam kumbang, asam susur and asam paya. Other names for Roselle in different languages are Luo shen hua ζ΄η₯θ± (Chinese), Pulichai kerai (Tamil) and Red sorrel (English). Scientifically, Roselle is known as Hibiscus sabdariffa L. or also synonym with Abelmoschus cruentus and Furcaria sabdariffa.
For centuries, Roselle has been used in number of dishes, beverages and conventional remedy of diseases. It is popular for its edible fleshy calyces and leaves that are used for making salads, tea, juices, jams, jellies, ice-cream, and many other products.
The Roselle plant, scientifically known as Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a species of hibiscus native to West Africa. It is widely cultivated for its vibrant red flowers, calyxes (the sepals of the flower), and leaves, which have various culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses.
Key features of the Roselle plant include:
1. Calyxes and Flowers: The calyxes of the Roselle plant are used in cooking and herbal teas. They have a tart flavor and are commonly used to make beverages, jams, jellies, and sauces. The flowers are attractive, bright red, and often used as an ornamental plant.
2. Leaves: The leaves of the Roselle plant are edible and can be used in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. They are rich in nutrients and have a tangy taste.
3. Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, extracts from the Roselle plant are used for various health purposes. They are believed to have antioxidant properties and are used in some cultures to support cardiovascular health and manage high blood pressure.
4. Beverages and Herbal Teas: One of the most popular uses of Roselle is in herbal teas. The dried calyxes are brewed to make a refreshing, ruby-colored tea known as Hibiscus tea. This tea is consumed both for its pleasant taste and potential health benefits.
5. Culinary Applications: Apart from teas, the calyxes of the Roselle plant are used in a variety of culinary creations, including desserts, sauces, and beverages. They add a tartness and vibrant color to dishes.
6. Cultivation: Roselle plants are grown in various regions with warm climates. They are relatively easy to grow and thrive in well-draining soil and sunny conditions. The plants are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season.
The Roselle plant is valued for its versatility, from culinary uses to potential health benefits. Its tart flavor and vibrant appearance make it a popular ingredient in various cuisines and herbal preparations across different cultures.
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HEALTH DISCLAIMER:
This site is registered and operated by an Independent DXN Distributor. The DIETARY Food Supplements presented in this page are designed to assist in the maintenance of general well-being through regular use. If you have a condition which requires medical diagnosis and treatment, it is important that you visit your healthcare professional.
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