ZSF issues dengue advisory, urges mosquito control each week

NEW LAMKA, August 22, 2026 — The Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) has issued a health advisory urging community members to take preventive measures against dengue by eliminating mosquito breeding sites and protecting themselves from mosquito bites.

In an advisory dated August 22 and issued by the ZSF General Headquarters, the federation said dengue fever is spread through mosquito bites, particularly during daytime hours. It noted that the mosquitoes responsible for dengue breed in clean, stagnant water around homes and urged households to spend at least 10 minutes each week checking and removing potential breeding sites.

The federation's first recommendation is vector control, with residents urged to eliminate small amounts of stagnant water around their homes and surroundings.

It advised households to empty, scrub and cover water containers at least once a week, including water-storage containers, flower pots, buckets, animal water dishes and air-cooler trays, to remove mosquito eggs.

Residents were also urged to dispose of or recycle items that can collect rainwater, including old tyres, coconut shells, plastic bottles and discarded packaging.

The advisory called for regular cleaning of roof gutters, drainpipes and outdoor drainage systems to ensure water flows freely and does not accumulate.

For stored water, the federation advised residents to keep drums, tanks and overhead water cisterns tightly sealed with fitted lids or fine-mesh screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering.

On personal protection, the ZSF recommended using insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing. It also advised people to wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, socks and shoes, particularly during peak mosquito-biting periods in the early morning and before sunset.

The federation further recommended installing fine-wire mesh screens on doors and windows and using mosquito nets over beds and cribs where rooms are not air-conditioned or otherwise screened.

The ZSF urged community members to make dengue prevention a regular household practice, stressing that eliminating stagnant water and maintaining clean surroundings can help reduce mosquito breeding and protect families and neighbours.