Environmental Risk Mapping for Dengue Fever Transmission in a Rural Area, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Dengue is a systemic viral infection transmitted between humans by Aedes mosquitoes. Dengue is a viral infection which originates from mosquitoes. Dengue is caused by a virus called the dengue virus (DENV). Most notably, there are four major DENV serotypes. Therefore it is possible to be diseased by either four or all four of them. As seen in most cases, DENV infections usually cause a mild infection, but it can also lead to an acute flu-like illness. Occasionally this proliferates into a possibly deadly problem, called severe dengue. The Detection and mapping of Dengue risk areas is a multifaceted, tiring, complicated and extended task requiring evaluation of many criteria. It is not sure that always one single factor is liable for Dengue Fever transmission in all areas, but it differs with changing geographical location. The main objective of the present study is to prepare an environmental risk mapping for dengue transmission in a rural area, Tamil Nadu and access the level of risk the people of that area are in and how susceptible they are to dengue. A total of 40 houses were observed for risks of dengue using a questionnaire and by looking around the house for possible hotspots after screening for inclusion and exclusion criteria. There is hence a need for educational programs to facilitate awareness and promote sensible practices to avoid dengue. Every individual should also follow precautionary guidelines taking into consideration the risk dengue. This study serves to spotlight the possible current risk in contracting dengue due to poor household habits and lack of awareness in a rural area.