The Aedes mosquito is a carrier of the dengue virus. When the mosquito bites an infected person, it picks up the virus which will remain in its body. It transmits the virus when it bites another person who may then come down with dengue fever.

A person with this viral infection usually experiences prolonged high fever, rashes, headache, muscle and joint pains. In the more severe form of dengue hemorrhagic fever, bleeding occurs and the victim may go into shock while serious cases may lead to death. Prompt treatment is necessary to relieve the symptoms and reduce the chances of complications.

Some precautionary measures can be taken to prevent the breeding of the Aedes mosquito in the home. Generally found breeding in stagnant water, the Aedes mosquito has black and white stripes on its body and legs.

Flowerpot plates, flower vases and pails are common items in the home that collect water where Aedes mosquitoes can breed. Some steps to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes include changing the water in vases and flower bowls every other day and keeping flowerpot plates dry. Pails and watering cans should be placed upside down so that they do not collect water.

Home owners should also cover bamboo pole holders when they are not in use as rainwater can easily accumulate in them. Do not place any receptacle on or below the air-conditioning unit. Make sure drains and roof gutters are cleared of leaves and silt so that they do not clog and result in the build up of stagnant water.