As a consequence of the rains and floods that the United Arab Emirates had in the most recent period, which led to an outbreak of dengue fever, there is a significant amount of stagnant water in the country, which provides a breeding ground for a wide variety of insects.
Control mosquito numbers
In order to cut down on the spread of diseases that are transmitted by insects, emergency teams in the United Arab Emirates have increased the number of measures they are doing to control the amount of mosquitoes in places that are particularly hot.
Following the two storms that occurred not too long ago, which caused severe flooding and disruption across the country, there are still catchment areas and standing waters.
Since then, recovery crews have been working practically nonstop to clear floodwaters and pump them away from residential areas through the use of pumps.
Mosquito control campaign in the UAE
Under the leadership of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in collaboration with the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently in the process of implementing the third phase of the campaign to eliminate mosquito colonies.
The authority is working in conjunction with municipalities and other government departments to enhance thermal fogging in order to eliminate mosquitoes and the larvae that they produce. Additionally, the authority is trying to pump water out of regions that have been inundated.
In a statement that was published on social media, Alia Al Harmoudi, who is the Assistant Undersecretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector of the Ministry, stated that "Mosquito control efforts represent one of our most important goals during this period."
Reducing the spread of mosquitoes
The Ministry will make efforts over the upcoming time period to provide the community with all of the information, guidance, and support means that are available to them, as well as to assist in reducing the spread of mosquitoes.
After the increase in rainfall, which contributes to an increase in "the spread of mosquitoes in water pools and wet places," the ministry has stated that the effort to control mosquitoes is being escalated. This comes after the rain levels have increased.
Heaviest rainfall day
When records began being kept in 1949, the United Arab Emirates experienced the highest day of rainfall ever recorded, which occurred on Tuesday, April 16th.
According to the data that was provided by the National Center of Meteorology, a single region inside the city of Al Ain was the recipient of 254 millimeters of precipitation over the course of a single day. It is estimated that this quantity of precipitation is roughly equivalent to the typical amount of rainfall that takes place in the United Arab Emirates over the period of two years.
Although the nation was hit by extra heavy rain and thunderstorms on Thursday, the severity of the unfavorable weather was not as severe as it was felt the previous month. However, the nation was still affected by adverse weather conditions.
Increase in cases of dengue fever
Over the past few months, hospitals in Dubai have recorded an increase in the number of cases of dengue fever, which is a disease that is carried by mosquitoes.
The most common symptoms are a high temperature of 39 to 40 degrees Celsius, severe headache, joint and muscular discomfort, nausea, vomiting, mild nosebleeds, and a skin rash. Although instances are relatively uncommon, the most common symptoms include skin rash.
The likelihood of experiencing more severe symptoms is higher for individuals who are pregnant, extremely young or elderly, or who already have a preexisting health condition.
Eliminate breeding sources for mosquitoes
Through the elimination of breeding sources, such as standing water, and the installation of smart traps in communities that attract mosquitoes by employing carbon dioxide and chemicals that simulate human odor, pest control is able to restrict the spread of mosquitoes.
The general manager of Nagina Cleaning and Pest Control Company, Mohamed Mangoush, stated that there has been a considerable increase in the number of call-outs about mosquito concerns.
In the past five days, there has been an increase in the number of complaints regarding mosquitoes, he stated.
"The most significant change has been the expansion of our services to commercial clients, such as in warehouses, factories, and offices, as well as villa communities," the speaker said. "There are regular requirements for heat fog."
Symptoms of dengue fever
The onset of symptoms often occurs between four and ten days after a person has been bitten by an infectious mosquito. When symptoms do arise, they are also likely to be confused with other infections, such as influenza.
Symptoms and indicators of dengue fever include a high temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) and any of the following:
- Headache
- Muscle, bone or joint pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain behind the eyes
- Swollen glands
- Skin rash
The majority of folks recover inside just a week or so. The symptoms may become more severe and even potentially life-threatening in certain instances. Dengue fever, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, is the medical term for this conditions.
