Mosquitoes, dengue and the repellent habit

Many Thai homes keep ยากันยุง (mosquito repellent) by the door the way others keep keys, and for good reason: dengue fever (ไข้เลือดออก) is spread by a mosquito that bites in daylight, and cases peak in the rainy season, in cities as well as the countryside. You'll see sprays, lotions, coils smoking under restaurant tables and the electric racket that crackles when it hits. Put repellent on in the morning and late afternoon, empty water from pots and saucers, and keep the screens shut. If you get a high fever with aching muscles, see a doctor within a day or two and say เป็นไข้; doctors usually advise paracetamol rather than ibuprofen or aspirin until dengue is ruled out.