May 16 is observed as National Dengue Day in India as an initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government Of India to raise awareness about the deadly fever associated with dengue. On this day, health sectors showcase the measures taken to prevent the occurrence of the disease and the government's plan to restrain it before widespread transmission.

According to WHO, dengue infections have surged exponentially not only in the Indian subcontinent but all around the globe, and close to 100-400 million infections occurring annually. With about half of the world's population at risk of this lethal disease, National Dengue Day is the perfect initiative to educate the general populace about the symptoms and signs of dengue and the precautionary measures that need to be taken to eradicate it.

Also Read: National Dengue Day: 5 Ways To Prevent This Deadly Fever

What Is Dengue?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the dengue virus (DEN V). The virus is chiefly transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito commonly found in tropical and subtropical climates of parts of Asia, Central and South America, Africa and the Pacific Islands. Dengue viruses occur in 4 types, and one may get the deadly fever by being infected by any one of them. Unlike other viruses, Dengue isn’t contagious from one person to another except when it is passed from a pregnant woman to their child in the womb.

Also Read: National Dengue Day: Debunking Common Myths About This Vector-Borne Disease

Once you are bitten by the carrier mosquito, the onset of dengue symptoms usually occurs between 3-14 days. The characteristic indications of dengue include high fever, muscle and joint pain, continuous headaches, throbbing pain behind the eyes, and rashes over the body. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is also associated with an acute onset of symptoms like abdominal cramping, vomiting, nausea and bleeding. In the case of chronic hemorrhagic fever that might continue for several days, the disease can prove to be deadly due to dengue shock syndrome.

The best way to prevent dengue is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes altogether, as there are no vaccines till date available to guard us against this viral infection. The dengue-carrying mosquitoes are usually active before sunset and sunrise. So, one needs to stay protected by keeping the windows and doors shut during the mentioned period.

But since it is not always possible to evade these blood-sucking insects, one needs to also prep with mosquito repellants with at least 10 per cent concentration of DEET to prevent getting bitten. While there is no dearth of store-bought mosquito repellants but in case you are allergic to such solutions or just want something natural without side effects, we got your back!

To the unversed, mosquitoes usually get attracted due to a combination of sweat, bacteria, carbon dioxide, body heat and body odours. Hence, if that sense of smell can be interrupted, one can easily steer clear of mosquito bites.

We bring you a handful of natural ingredients which when smeared or sprayed onto the body, block the sense of smell of these pesky creatures, thus repelling them away successfully.

Natural Mosquito Repellants To Prevent Dengue

Citronella

Be it in the form of essential oil or a gel-based formula, this citrusy aromatic herb from the Cymbopogon family is a renowned natural bug repellent. Studies suggest, being equally effective as DEET, the topical application can protect for up to 2-3 hours. So, grab a bottle of this essential oil to safeguard yourself from all types of insects including mosquitoes.

Basil

The wondrous benefits of holy basil encompass far beyond just being used for cooking up gourmet cuisines. The natural aroma exuded by the plant, or its formulation repels insects and mosquitoes. Medical studies in Kenya suggest the potted plant can evade 40% of malaria-causing mosquitoes whilst the essential oil can fend off 100% of yellow fever-causing ones.

Eucalyptus

Famed for their characteristic soothing and rejuvenating camphor-like aroma, the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree are sanctified with a wealth of benefits. Not only does it efficaciously repel mosquitoes but also improves respiratory functions, augments skin, and relieves pain. Approved by the CDC as a mosquito repellent, a concoction of eucalyptus and coconut oil can proffer 95% mosquito protection for up to 3 hours.

Neem

Deemed as an ‘All-rounder’, Neem confers amazing benefits towards health and wellness. But owing to its strong pungent aroma, it serves best as an incredible natural mosquito repellent. A study conducted in 2015 suggests that a concentration of 20% neem oil imparted 70% protection for up to 3 hours between dusk and dawn. But ensure you dilute it with a base oil like coconut or almond oil to avoid skin irritation.

Peppermint

Thanks to the antimicrobial nature of the bioactive components, limonene and menthol, peppermint not only provides crystal-clear skin but also effectively thwarts off mosquitoes. A survey in 2011 claimed that steep concentrations of peppermint essential oil are extremely effective against mosquito larvae and granted 100% protection against yellow fever-causing mosquitoes for up to 2.5 hours.