Fact Check: Can coconut oil act as an antibiotic to prevent dengue?

Hyderabad: Social media users claim that dengue can be prevented by applying coconut oil on the legs. A Facebook user claimed that coconut oil acts as an antibiotic against dengue fever.

‘This message is to inform you all that Dengue virus is going on. So pls use coconut oil below your knees till ur footsteps. It is an antibiotic, and a Dengue mosquito cannot fly higher than knees. So pls keep this in mind and start using it. Spread this message as much as you can. Your one message can save many lives.’ The Facebook user’s post reads.

As dengue cases have grown dramatically over a few months in India. It is recommended to not to believe such home remedial hoaxes. Such messages hinder the actual treatment and make things worse. According to the experts, in several cases dengue could be fatal.

For more info read out fact check.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be false.

What is Dengue?

According to WHO, ‘Dengue (break-bone fever) is a viral infection caused by mosquito bites. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates. Most people who get dengue won’t have symptoms. But for those who do have symptoms like high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and rash. Generally, the infected people can get better in 1–2 weeks, but severe dengue sufferers need to be hospitalised. In severe cases, dengue can be fatal.’

Several early symptoms of dengue include high fever (40°C/104°F), severe headache, pain in eyelids, muscle and joint pain.

Severe dengue symptoms often come after the fever goes away. The symptoms include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, fatigue, restlessness, blood in vomit or stool, feeling thirsty, pale and cold skin and feeling weak.

According to WHO, there is no particular treatment for dengue. The most you can do is prevent mosquito biting and treat every symptom.

WHO also refers, Acetaminophen (paracetamol) to control pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin are avoided as they can increase the risk of bleeding. There is a vaccine called Dengvaxia for people who have had dengue at least once and live in places where the disease is common.

Notably, there is no clinical evidence that indicates coconut oil as the remedy to prevent or cure dengue.

NewsMeter further reached out to Dr. S. Vijay Mohan, M.D, Sr. Consultant Physician, Care Hospitals, Professor; HoD, Dept. of Internal Medicine, to debunk the claim.

He said, 'No, applying coconut oil from knee to toe is a foolish way to prevent dengue.' Dengue fever is the most common mosquito-borne viral disease which is becoming increasingly common year after year. Dengue virus is carried by the ‘Aedes Egypti’ mosquito, commonly called as “Tiger Mosquito' ', which is a freshwater breeder and a daytime bitter. A single mosquito can infect many people in one day.

'Dengue fever can be prevented only if mosquitoes are controlled in the community. Apart from personal protection from mosquitoes, keeping the surroundings clean and removing the water collection in and around the houses are important. Small water collections in the air coolers, flower pots, old tyres and empty coconut shells have to be removed from the surroundings. Mosquito nets, repellents and full body covering cloths will help prevent mosquito bites. Smoke-emitting coils should be avoided', He added.