Dengue Fever risk in Kolkata

Dengue Fever Prevention Guide for Kolkata Risk Score: 71/100 Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which thrives in tropical urban environments like Kolkata. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint pain, rash, and in serious cases, hemorrhagic complications. Kolkata's risk score of 71 out of 100 reflects its combination of high humidity, monsoon flooding, dense population, and inadequate waste management that create ideal breeding conditions. The city's old water storage practices, construction sites with stagnant water, and clogged drains during the June-October monsoon season significantly amplify transmission risk. Prevention Steps: 1. Eliminate standing water daily. Check flower pots, discarded tires, water tanks, and rooftop containers every morning. Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water found in small household items. Kolkata's narrow lanes and congested neighborhoods make collective community cleanup essential, especially after monsoon rains. 2. Use mosquito nets and repellents consistently. Apply DEET-based repellents during daytime hours since Aedes mosquitoes bite primarily between dawn and dusk. Install window screens and sleep under treated nets, particularly for children and elderly family members. 3. Wear protective clothing. Long sleeves, full-length pants, and light-colored clothing reduce bite exposure during peak hours. This is especially important for outdoor workers and schoolchildren. 4. Report and address community breeding sites. Contact Kolkata Municipal Corporation or local ward offices to clear construction debris, clogged drains, and abandoned water collections. Neighborhood coordination prevents reinfestation from adjacent properties. 5. Seek immediate medical attention if fever persists beyond two days with body ache or rash. Early diagnosis prevents progression to severe dengue. Avoid self-medication with aspirin or ibuprofen, which increase bleeding risk. Consistent daily action combined with community participation reduces individual and neighborhood risk significantly.