Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Monsoon

Common Mosquito-borne Diseases

Here are the types of diseases from mosquitoes that are on the rise during monsoon:

• Dengue

This is caused by the Aedes aegypti species of mosquito (commonly found in stagnant water). You might develop a high fever and body pain within 7 days of being bitten. If not diagnosed on time, dengue can lead to severe complications; sometimes, it can also prove to be fatal.

• Malaria

The Anopheles species of mosquito is home to the Plasmodium parasite, which causes malaria. Symptoms manifest in the form of fever and chills. If you have a high fever for 3-4 days, you must seek medical attention immediately and undergo a diagnostic test to ascertain whether you are suffering from malaria. If not treated on time, malaria can also lead to death.

• Chikungunya

The bite of the Aedes aegypti or the Aedes albopictus species of mosquitoes causes this mosquito-borne disease. The symptoms of this disease are almost similar to dengue, but you must get yourself tested for correct diagnosis. Usually, most people recover fully within a week.

• Zika Virus

Zika Virus is caused by the Aedes species of mosquitoes. The symptoms here are almost similar to dengue (fever and joint pain). If left untreated, Zika Virus can lead to severe neurological issues and other health complications.

• Japanese Encephalitis

This is one of the severe diseases caused by mosquitoes. The Japanese Encephalitis virus causes this disease. It is transmitted to humans through the Culex species of mosquitoes, leading to inflammation of the brain. If not diagnosed and treated on time, there can be permanent damage to your nervous system and even death.

Symptoms and Treatment

Managing these ailments becomes easier when you are well aware of their symptoms and treatment options.

1. Dengue

• Symptoms

◦ High Fever

◦ Muscle Pain

◦ Pain and swelling in the joints

◦ Headache

◦ Eye Pain

◦ Rashes

◦ Swelling in the glands

◦ Nausea

◦ Bleeding in the nose and gums

◦ Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome (very severe cases)

• Treatment

◦ No pill or vaccine for a complete cure

◦ Hydration by consuming lots of fluids

◦ Pills for managing fever and pain, as per doctor’s advice

2. Malaria

• Symptoms

◦ Frequent body chills

◦ High fever

◦ Sweating

◦ Headache

◦ Nausea and vomiting

• Treatment

◦ Anti-malarial drugs to get rid of the parasite from your system

◦ Hospitalisation (for severe cases only)

3. Chikungunya

• Symptoms

◦ High fever

◦ Muscle pain

◦ Pain and swelling in the joints

◦ Rashes

◦ Headache

◦ Nausea

• Treatment

◦ No pill or vaccine is available for a complete cure

◦ Ample rest

◦ Keeping yourself hydrated

◦ Pills to manage fever and body pain symptoms, as per your doctor’s advice

4. Zika Virus

• Symptoms

◦ Fever

◦ Rashes

◦ Conjunctivitis

◦ Pain in the muscles and joints

◦ Malaise

◦ Headache

• Treatment

◦ No permanent cure is available

◦ OTC medicines to manage symptoms, as per doctor’s advice

◦ The mode of treatment may differ for pregnant women

5. Japanese Encephalitis

• Symptoms

◦ High Fever

◦ Headache

◦ Stiffness in the neck

◦ Disorientation

◦ Paralysis

◦ Coma

◦ Seizures

• Treatment

◦ Vaccine available to prevent this mosquito-borne disease

◦ Ample Rest

◦ Enough Hydration

◦ Hospitalisation (in case of severe complications)

Mosquito Control Strategies

The best way to control mosquito diseases is to control the growth and breeding of these mosquitoes.

• Eradicate the breeding places of mosquitoes

◦ The drainage system must be unclogged to eliminate water stagnation

◦ The surroundings must be clean

◦ Rainwater must not be allowed to stagnate in places like flower pots

◦ Proper waste management

• Keep yourself protected

◦ Wear clothes that fully cover you to avoid exposure to mosquitoes

◦ Spray safe mosquito repellents on your clothes to prevent mosquito bites

◦ Usage of mosquito nets

• Keep your community safe from mosquitoes

◦ Regular fumigation must be done in the neighbourhood

◦ Care should be taken for proper waste management and sanitation

◦ Community members must be encouraged to participate in social awareness campaigns to increase awareness about diseases caused by mosquitoes

FAQs

1. During monsoon, the cases of mosquito-borne diseases are high. Why?

During monsoon you will notice stagnant water, increased humidity in the air, and unhygienic sanitation methods. All of them encourage the breeding of mosquitoes. So, the diseases caused by mosquitoes are also high during monsoons.

2. What are the common mosquito-borne diseases during monsoon?

Dengue, malaria, and Chikungunya are the three common mosquito diseases. However, this season also leads to a rise in Zika Virus and Japanese Encephalitis cases in some countries.