On the occasion of National Dengue Day today, Health Ministry has listed a series of simple measures through which Dengue can be prevented. Surroundings must be kept clean to protect oneself from mosquito bites. Stagnation of water in containers must be avoided to prevent mosquito breeding. Coolers must be checked and cleaned on weekly basis. Water tanks and containers must be covered with tight lids. People should use mosquito nets or repellents and long sleeved clothes. The water in flower vases, aquariums and bird baths must be changed every week.<br />''<br />''Dengue is a viral disease, transmitted by the infective bite of a particular mosquito known as Aedes Aegypti. It is very common after rainy season. It is highly contagious and spreads from one person to another through mosquito bites. It is widespread in tropical and sub-tropical regions.<br />''<br />''It is a very common disease in India since last two decades. Dengue can affect everybody, irrespective of their age and gender.<br />''<br />''<br />