Preventing Mosquito-Borne Infections

Introduction:

The constant buzzing of mosquitoes on warm evenings is not just annoying; it also reminds everyone of the health dangers they bring. Climate change is warming up oceans, which helps mosquitoes breed and spread these diseases. As a result, millions of people are affected by mosquito-borne diseases every year. The rains bring along many different mosquitoes. The most effective way to avoid dengue and other mosquito-borne infections is to prevent mosquito bites. One should be aware of the premonitory symptoms and when to consult a doctor if in doubt.

What Are the Mosquito Control Measures for the Prevention of Infection?

1. For Self Protection:

• Use mosquito repellents and mosquito nets liberally.

• Wear clothing that protects you from bites, like full-sleeved clothes, pants, and more.

• Try to avoid morning mosquito bites, especially children in school buses or at school are highly prone to morning mosquito bites. Seek the help of the teachers if required.

• Avoid dark places, since good ventilation prevents mosquitoes.

2. For Protection From Surroundings:

• Use door and window screens or nets.

• Drain stagnant water in the surrounding areas, which is a good source of mosquito growth.

• Wash the water-holding containers or tanks at least once a week to remove mosquito eggs. Cover the water storage tanks or containers with a lid.

• Create an environment conducive to natural mosquito predators. Various fish species like guppies, dragonflies, bats, and birds are known to consume mosquitoes.

• During the day, mosquitoes seek shelter in tall grass and vegetation. Maintaining a well-trimmed lawn and garden can minimize these resting spots for mosquitoes.

• Regularly clean and chlorinate the swimming pool, and replace the water when needed.

What Signs and Symptoms Do Mosquito-Borne Diseases Cause?

Consult a doctor, if one has any of these symptoms:

• Fever.

• Headache.

• Pain behind the eyes.

• Body pain.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Rashes all over the body.

• Bleeding from nose or gums or stools or any other site.

The warning signs of dengue develop even when fever is reduced. Go to an emergency room immediately if someone has:

• Dull or drowsy or not responding normally.

• Severe abdominal pain.

• Persistent vomiting.

• Small red rash on the skin (bleeding under the skin).

• Bleeding from the nose or gums.

• Blood in stools.

• Cold palms and soles.

• Breathing difficulty.

What Is the Treatment for Mosquito-Borne Infections?

There is no medicine yet to treat dengue. Only the symptoms are treated.

1. In mild cases, prefer home treatment which involves three steps,

• Rest.

• Drink plenty of fluids like water, juices, soups, or ORS (oral rehydration solution) to prevent dehydration.

• Take the tablet Paracetamol to control fever.

2. In severe infections, hospitalization is required.

• Intravenous (IV) fluids to treat dehydration.

• Antibiotics as prescribed by the treating doctor.

• The average duration of fever is five to ten days. Control the fever with tablet Paracetamol and other symptomatic treatments.

If suspecting infection with a mosquito-borne disease, it is essential to take the following steps:

• Seek Medical Care: As soon as possible, speak with a doctor or visit the nearest medical center. Effective management of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes requires early identification and treatment. To avoid further complications, follow all recommendations made by the healthcare provider regarding medications, rest, and other measures.

• Isolate: To stop the transmission of a contagious mosquito-borne illness like dengue fever or the Zika virus, maintain distance from other people. Stay at home and avoid social gatherings until receiving approval from the doctor to resume regular activities.

• Stay Hydrated: Many mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever, can cause dehydration due to fever and sweating. Stay hydrated by consuming lots of liquids like water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear soups.

• Prevent Further Mosquito Bites: Continue to protect against mosquito bites even when unwell to prevent further spread of the disease to others.

Is It Possible to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases?

The best protection against mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent bites by infected mosquitoes. Here are some tips:

1. Use screens on doors and windows, and repair broken or damaged screens promptly. Keep unscreened doors and windows shut.

2. Wear clothing that covers completely, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks. Use mosquito netting over beds for added protection.

3. Use insect repellent as directed (choosing one with DEET or picaridin). For kids over three years old, oil of lemon eucalyptus can also be used.

4. Limit time spent outside around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

5. Eliminate places where mosquitoes can breed. They lay their eggs in water, so remove standing water in items like buckets, trash cans, and tires. Make sure to empty and thoroughly clean birdbaths, dog bowls, and flowerpots at least once every week.

6. Vaccines are available to prevent some mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis.

What Precautions to Be Taken if One Infected With Dengue and Mosquito-Borne Infections?

Mosquitoes become infected when they bite you and could pass the virus to other family members. So, protect yourself from mosquito bites and follow all precautions described above. Due to repeated infected mosquito bites, mild dengue can become severe at times.

A pregnant woman with an infection may infect her unborn or newborn baby at birth. The effects of dengue virus infection on babies include death or low birth weight or premature birth. The first two weeks of life are crucial for the newborn baby, as symptoms might develop anytime during this period. Babies below one year of life are at increased risk of any infection and the severity of the disease will be more as immunity is less. Use extra protection, fully covered clothing, mosquito nets for cribs, strollers, and others.

Conclusion:

Everyone needs to work together to stop diseases spread by mosquitoes. By using methods to control mosquitoes, like reducing their numbers, one can ensure diseases do not spread as much and keep everyone safer. So, it is important to protect themselves, their family, and the community from these diseases. Remember, finding and treating mosquito diseases early can make a big difference and lower the chances of problems. If someone lives in a place where mosquitoes spread diseases, it is important to know how to stop them and what signs to watch for. Keep up with what local health experts say and do what can be done to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Always remember that it is better to prevent than to cure.