Introduction
According to reports from leading health organizations, Mosquito-Borne Diseases in India cause over 725,000 deaths annually. Despite how civilized and intelligent humans have become, mosquitoes have been a part of our lives since ancient times. With more than 3000 species worldwide, mosquitoes are prevalent everywhere. This blog will discuss some of the deadly Mosquito-Borne Diseases in India.
Mosquito-borne diseases in India are those that are transmitted through a mosquito bite. Dengue, filaria, and malaria are the three most prevalent mosquito-borne illnesses in India, with more than two million cases of malaria reported.
Diseases caused by mosquitoes
Mosquito-borne diseases affect over 40 million people in India each year. This article will cover a list of infections caused by mosquitoes and their related symptoms.
Malaria
Malaria is one of India’s most prevalent Mosquito-Borne Diseases, transmitted by an infected anopheles mosquito carrying the plasmodium parasite. Upon a mosquito bite, the parasite enters the bloodstream and ages to the liver to mature. After maturity, it invades and multiplies inside red blood cells, leading to their eventual rupture. Failure to treat malaria promptly can lead to a fatal outcome.
The symptoms include:
- Anemia
- High fever
- Headache accompanied by sweating
- Body ache
- Diarrhea
Treatment for the severe condition can be successful with early diagnosis and the proper treatment plan prescribed by a doctor. Medications like artemisinin drugs and chloroquine are commonly used, depending on the type of parasite.
Dengue
The dengue virus is transmitted through the bite of an Aedes mosquito, causing dengue fever, a type of mosquito-borne disease.
The usual symptoms are:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Headaches
- Tiredness and loss of appetite
- Rashes
- High fever
A specific cure for dengue fever is not available. However, patients should drink plenty of fluids and seek medical attention immediately if severe symptoms occur.
Zika virus
Zika virus spreads mainly through Aedes mosquitoes but can also pass from mother to fetus through sex, blood transfusion, or organ transplant. However, it can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplants.
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Reddish eyes
- Fatigue
Yellow fever
The Aedes aegypti mosquito, infected with the yellow fever virus or flavivirus, transmits the severe mosquito-borne disease known as yellow fever.
Some observable symptoms are:
- Chills
- Body ache
- Fever
- Headache
- Jaundice
Since there is no known cure for yellow fever, prevention is crucial. You are protecting yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing that covers your entire body, and getting vaccinated to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease prevalent in Asia, India, and Africa. Aedes mosquitoes transmit it; although not fatal, its symptoms can persist for a long.
The symptoms are:
- High fever
- Joint pain accompanied by swelling
- Body ache
- Rashes
Lymphatic filariasis
Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is caused by the filariasis parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. The disease is often asymptomatic and can cause severe damage to the lymphatic system, leading to visible symptoms such as swelling in the genitalia, arms, and legs.
Doctors prescribe anti-parasitic medications to kill the parasites and prevent their multiplication. Antibiotics may also be used to treat or prevent bacterial infections. In cases of hydrocele (fluid-filled scrotum), surgery may become necessary.
Japanese encephalitis
This disease is caused by the flavivirus and transmitted through the bite of an infected culex mosquito.
Symptoms:
- Vomiting and nausea
- High Fever
- Headache
- Tremors
- Stiff neck
- Coma
There are no specific treatments for Japanese encephalitis. However, vaccination is available as a preventive measure.
La Crosse Encephalitis
La Crosse encephalitis, a viral disease caused by an infected mosquito bite, primarily affects children and is often asymptomatic.
Observable symptoms include:
- High fever
- Weak body and muscles
- Disorientation
- Tremors
- Stiff neck
Rift Valley Fever
Rift Valley Fever is a disease primarily affecting domesticated animals, often caused by Culex and Aedes mosquitoes.
The symptoms are:
- Backache
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Photophobia
- Loss of appetite
There is no specific treatment for this illness, as it is typically mild and can be managed with appropriate care and over-the-counter medications.
Prevention tips
To safeguard yourself and your loved ones from mosquito bites and the ailments that can result, there are uncomplicated measures that you can adopt.
You can shield yourself from sickness by taking simple steps.
- Apply insect repellents whenever you step outside.
- Don long-sleeved attire.
- Arrange outdoor activities to evade peak mosquito season’s hours from dusk to dawn.
- Mend any damaged window or door screens.
- Eradicate standing water from the vicinity surrounding your abode.
conclusion
Mosquito-borne diseases in India pose a significant threat to public health, with over 725,000 deaths reported annually. Malaria, dengue, and filaria are the most common mosquito-borne diseases in the country, affecting millions of people every year. The symptoms of these illnesses may vary from mild to severe and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Other mosquito-borne diseases discussed in this article include Zika virus, yellow fever, chikungunya, lymphatic filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis, and Rift Valley Fever.
