Introduction. Limited awareness and nonsystematized health education programmes have contributed adversely to the increase in dengue incidence at schools due to limited attention which has positively contributed to the increase in vector receptivity. The current study was conducted to evaluate the existing level of awareness of dengue infection among a selected group of school children and to assess the effectiveness of dengue awareness programmes to improve the existing knowledge and preventive practices on dengue.

National Dengue Day is observed in India on May 16 with the recommendation of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India to create awareness about dengue; and to intensify preventive measures and preparedness for the control of disease in the country before transmission season starts.

In India, there has been a decline in dengue cases and deaths (2017 to 2018) from 188401 to 89974 & 325 to 144., respectively.

Facts about dengue:-

• Dengue prevention and control depends on effective vector control measures.
•  Dengue is a viral disease caused by dengue virus (DENV, 1–4 serotypes)
• Dengue is transmitted by bite of Aedesaegypti mosquito infected with any one of the four dengue viruses.
• Aedesaegepti mosquito bites during daylight hours.
• Person develops symptoms 3-14 days after the infective bite.
• Patients who are already infected with the dengue virus can transmit the infection to other via Aedes mosquitoes during 4-5 days of onset of symptoms

All age groups and both sexes are equally affected but death is more in children due to Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF).

Dengue fever starts with sudden onset of fever, followed by severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and rash.

DHF has an acute onset of fever followed by abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding. A small proportion of cases may show fatal disease as dengue shock syndrome.

There are no specific antiviral medicines for dengue. Early clinical diagnosis by physician and proper clinical management lowers the fatality rates below1%. Use of analgesics (pain reliever) with paracetamolpromoting patient to drink plenty of fluids and rest are important. Use of acetylsalicylic acid (e.g aspirin) and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Ibuprofen) is not recommended.

Prevention and control

Directorate of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme is the nodal centre for the surveillance and prevention of dengue in India. Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme also helps in disease surveillance and outbreak detection/investigation of dengue in the country.

Notification of dengue cases Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has made notification of dengue cases essential. All government health institutions and private hospitals and clinics are required to inform office of the district health authority of concerned district to notify suspected dengue cases reported at their health institution every week or daily during transmission season.

Precautions:-

• Water from coolers and other small containers (plastic containers, buckets, used automobile tyres, water coolers, pet watering containers and flower vases) should be removed at least once in a week.

• Appropriate larvicides should be used to water storage containers that cannot be emptied. • Water storages containers should be kept covered with lid.

• Aerosol can be used during day time to prevent the bites of mosquitoes.

• During transmission season (rainy season) all persons can wear clothes that cover arms and legs.

• Mosquito nets or mosquito repellents can be used while sleeping during day time.

• Personal protective measures such as window screens, insecticide treated bed nets, coils and vaporizers can be used to prevent mosquito bites.

• Dengue patient should be prevented from mosquito bites. This will prevent further spread of dengue to other persons.

“Dengue prevention and control should be everyone’s concern”. "Participate in Swachh Bharat Mission