World Mosquito Day It is celebrated on August 20 every year. We celebrate this day as British Dr. Remembered because of Sir Ronald Ross who discovered in 1897 that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. The theme for this year’s World Mosquito Day is “Use innovation to reduce malaria disease burden and save lives” Although mosquito-borne diseases can occur throughout the year, they are most common during the monsoon season. In India, malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, filariasis, viral encephalitis are the most common mosquito-borne infections.Also Read – Here’s how you can protect your children from dengue fever
Epidemics and epidemics are very common in our country. India has about 400 species of mosquitoes, all of which carry infectious organisms, and outbreaks of such infections are frequent. Diseases that have been nearly eradicated have re-emerged due to the resistance developed by mosquitoes to insecticides and changes in their characteristics. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Consultant, Internal Medicine Dr. N.R. Shetty shares his inputs on how to protect yourself from these 5 mosquito-borne infections. Also Read – Learn how to keep them away on World Mosquito Day!
The following are common mosquito-borne infections:
1. Malaria
There are 4 types of malarial protozoa but vivax and falciparum are the most common infection causing protozoa. Falciparum malaria can be very serious as it causes systemic complications including cerebral fever. Also Read – Happy World Mosquito Day: 5 memories we all have with our beloved mosquitoes!
The disease can be transmitted by infected Anopheles mosquitoes and from person to person. High fever, chills, chills, headache and vomiting are common symptoms. Low platelet counts, jaundice, kidney-respiratory failure, especially in falciparum infection may occur in few patients.
Malaria is more common in crowded unsanitary areas. Diagnosis is made by clinical symptoms, fever pattern, blood smear and malarial antigen test. Ideally blood collected during fever gives the best results. Along with blood counts, electrolytes, liver and kidney function tests may also be done.
2. Dengue fever
Caused by the dengue virus, this fever is common in monsoons and winters, usually caused by mosquito bites during the day.
Dengue can progress to mild, hemorrhagic or dengue shock syndrome. Fever lasts for 4-5 days causing severe headache, muscle-body pain, back pain, eye pain as common symptoms. In some cases skin rash and itching may also occur. Severe bleeding from multiple sites, multi-organ failure, low blood pressure and collapse can occur.
Diagnosis includes symptoms such as serial platelet and antigen testing. There are no specific anti-dengue drugs or anti-viral treatments, so treatment is mostly symptomatic, including hydration and blood-platelet transfusions. Severe cases may require intensive care and in such situations should be admitted to a hospital where full-time medical care is available where the patient is continuously monitored for better recovery.
3. Chikungunya
This virus is spread directly by mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, chills, mild to severe joint pain, headache, and skin rash. The joint pain in this condition is debilitating with the affected joints lasting for days, weeks, months and sometimes longer.
Diagnosis is made by IgG, IgM, RT PCR tests of blood samples. In the absence of specific therapy, treatment includes fluid administration, non-steroidal analgesics, and antivirals for symptom management.
4. Zika fever
Sporadic cases of Zika fever have been observed in India in recent years. Muscle aches, headache, fever, skin rash, eye pain and pink eyes are common signs of infection. In addition, pregnant women with Zika infection may have miscarriages and birth defects in their newborns.
Diagnosis is made by IgM-ELISA antibodies test. As with most mosquito-borne infections, treatment is symptomatic. During treatment, unprotected sexual activity should be avoided to prevent further transmission of the infection
5. Filariasis:
This infection is caused and spread by mosquito bites. High fever, chills especially at night, swelling of legs or affected parts, redness, enlargement of glands like scrotum are common symptoms. Elephantiasis is a result of filariasis.
Diagnosis involves blood smear testing for microfilariae, especially at midnight during fever. Clinical treatment is with DCC antibiotics along with adjuvant drugs.
Prevention of mosquito borne diseases:
- Maintain proper hygiene and a clean environment
- Choosing clothes to prevent mosquito bites and using skin creams to prevent them
- Use of mosquito screens, nets, bed protection and mosquito repellents to avoid mosquito bites and transmission of infection
- Adequate spraying of insecticide in house, society and other surrounding areas
- Avoid storing water in open spaces, avoid storing water in places like flower pots, rubber tires, broken glass, fountains etc. and spray insecticides.
- Seek medical advice for any of the above symptoms
