.What’s the best way to prevent the spread of mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes range from being a nuisance to carriers of disease, especially dengue fever, which is currently widespread in some areas of Laos. The only way to prevent dengue is to get rid of mosquitoes, which transmit the virus among humans. Vientiane Times asked around for ideas on the best ways to get rid of these troublesome pests.

Ms Bee Thammavongsa, a resident of Xekong province: If we want to prevent mosquitoes from breeding we must ensure there are no pools of water lying around the house and do regular cleaning and bushing out. I think we can tackle this disease if we make sure there is no stagnant water around our living areas, which is where mosquitoes breed. In addition, everyone should use mosquito nets when sleeping. The authorities should run more publicity campaigns to advise people how to keep dengue at bay.
 
Mr Sophon Viphommaxay, a government official in Huaphan province: I know public health officials have tried to ensure that dengue doesn’t take hold here but the problem is that many people don’t understand how to stop mosquitoes from breeding or how to protect themselves against dengue, especially in remote areas. And some people know what they should do but just don’t bother. I think the authorities should provide more public understanding about the dangers of this virus, the symptoms of dengue, and what people should do if they fall ill. Village authorities in particular should try to persuade everyone to help prevent the spread of dengue fever.
 
Ms Phouvong, a government official in Sisattanak district, Vientiane: To prevent people falling ill with dengue fever, everyone must take part in regular clean-ups and get rid of any stagnant water so that fewer mosquitoes can breed. We must make sure that water does not collect in any type of container and encourage others to do the same. We should actively monitor the situation and keep a close eye on the number of mosquitoes in our neighbourhoods so that we know if our efforts are being effective or whether should be more vigilant.
 
Mr Phonsavanh, a resident of Luang Prabang province: I think dengue is more dangerous than Covid-19 because it kills quite a few people each year. This means we have to get rid of mosquitoes, which is the key to stopping the spread of the virus. Mosquitoes breed rapidly in wet conditions. To prevent this, we should throw out any water that collects in jars, vases or dishes and cover any containers to prevent more water from filling them. This is essential because stagnant water is the breeding ground of dengue-transmitting mosquitoes.
 
Ms Phoukhao, a resident of Xaysomboun province: Ponds and still streams are especially likely to be breeding sites for mosquitoes. We should always be careful to keep our surroundings clean and bushed out because mosquitoes breed in dark, damp places. I urge everyone who lives in such places to be especially careful in the rainy season. If you have a fever, chills or flu-like symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. It’s important to get treatment as soon as possible and not take medicine you have bought yourself. Another important thing is that we should strictly follow the measures recommended by public health officials.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update August 18, 2022)