Templer Park International School (TPIS) in Rawang recently conducted an educational and interactive workshop focused on mosquito-borne diseases and dengue fever prevention. This session, held in collaboration with Biore Guard, aimed to raise awareness among students about the dangers of mosquitoes and how to prevent the spread of diseases like dengue fever.

What Was Shared with Students During the Session:

During the workshop, students were introduced to the mosquito-borne diseases that affect millions of people globally. The focus was mainly on dengue fever and malaria, with a detailed explanation of how mosquitoes are responsible for spreading these diseases.

  • Dengue Fever: Students learned that dengue fever is a viral disease primarily spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, rashes, and in some cases, bleeding. The session emphasized how important it is to seek medical attention immediately if someone experiences these symptoms, especially during an outbreak.
  • Malaria: The session also covered malaria, another serious disease transmitted by mosquitoes, specifically the Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms of malaria include chills, fever, and flu-like illness, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

The Mosquito Life Cycle: From Egg to Buzz

The students were introduced to the mosquito life cycle, which explains how mosquitoes grow and develop. Understanding this helps in preventing mosquito breeding and stopping the spread of diseases like dengue.

Here’s a simplified version of the mosquito life cycle:

  1. Eggs: Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, like in puddles or containers.
  2. Larvae: The eggs hatch into larvae, which live in the water and feed on tiny particles.
  3. Pupae: After the larvae grow, they become pupae. This is the stage before they turn into adult mosquitoes.
  4. Adults: The adult mosquitoes emerge from the pupae and start flying around. Only female mosquitoes bite humans to get blood for laying eggs.

The key takeaway for students was that removing standing water around homes and schools is the most effective way to stop mosquitoes from breeding.

Interactive Activities: Dengue Mania and Quiz Time

To make the session more engaging and fun, students participated in two interactive activities: Dengue Mania and a Mosquito Quiz.

Dengue Mania Activity

In the Dengue Mania activity, students role-played as mosquitoes, navigating their surroundings to find water where they could lay their eggs. The objective of the game was to recognize mosquito breeding grounds and understand how stagnant water serves as a perfect habitat for mosquito larvae. Students were encouraged to think critically about the potential mosquito breeding sites around their school and home, helping them understand how to prevent such areas from becoming breeding grounds.

Mosquito Quiz

After the Dengue Mania activity, students took part in a fun Mosquito Quiz to test their knowledge about dengue fever, mosquito biology, and how to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. The quiz covered important topics such as the symptoms of dengue, where mosquitoes lay their eggs, and effective prevention strategies.

Dengue Prevention: Key Measures Shared with Students

A vital part of the session focused on practical ways to prevent dengue fever and reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The students were given simple yet effective tips to help them protect themselves and their communities from mosquito bites:

  1. Remove Standing Water: Mosquitoes need stagnant water to lay their eggs, so the first step in preventing dengue is to eliminate any standing water around homes and schools. Students were encouraged to check for water in containers like flower pots, old tires, and water tanks, and to remove or cover these sources of water.
  2. Use Mosquito Repellents: The students learned about the importance of using mosquito repellents, especially in areas where mosquitoes are most active. They were shown how to safely apply repellents and reminded to use them regularly to prevent mosquito bites.
  3. Wear Protective Clothing: Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and closed shoes can help reduce exposed skin and protect against mosquito bites. Students were encouraged to wear protective clothing when spending time outdoors, especially in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.
  4. Spread Awareness: One of the key messages was that education is essential in preventing dengue fever. Students were urged to share what they learned with their families and friends to ensure that everyone understands the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites and using protective measures.

Conclusion: Empowering Students for Mosquito Control

By the end of the workshop, TPIS students were empowered with knowledge about how mosquitoes breed, how they transmit diseases, and most importantly, how to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. Through interactive activities like Dengue Mania and the Mosquito Quiz, students were able to apply what they learned in a fun and memorable way.

Thanks to the collaboration with Biore Guard, students walked away with practical tips and a better understanding of how simple actions, like eliminating standing water and using mosquito repellents, can make a big difference in preventing diseases.

The session was an important step in ensuring that TPIS students become proactive members of their communities, spreading awareness about mosquito control and dengue prevention, and helping reduce the risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases.

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