Diya Upreti, Jadetimes Staff
Diya Upreti is a Jadetimes news reporter covering health news
Rising Cases of Vector-Borne Diseases in India: A Growing Concern
As the monsoon season is ending, India is witnessing a sharp increase in vector-borne diseases, especially dengue and malaria. The states of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi have reported an increase in cases, and health authorities are taking urgent preventive and control measures. Heavy rainfall, waterlogging, and humid conditions create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, resulting in an annual rise in these infections.
Understanding Vector-Borne Diseases
Vector-borne diseases are infectious illnesses caused by parasites, viruses, or bacteria and transmitted by an insect host like mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas to human beings. The most widespread mosquito-borne diseases in India are dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis. These pathogens are mainly carried by Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes and propagate in moist surroundings and stale water.
Dengue is famously called "breakbone fever," a viral infection that is known for causing a very high fever along with severe body pain, headache, and internal bleeding. Malaria, caused by a Plasmodium parasite transmitted by the bites of Anopheles mosquitoes, is characterized by repeated episodes of recurring fever, chills, and severe complications if left untreated.
States Which Witnessed a Spike in Cases
Across India, a number of states have recorded an alarming increase in vector-borne diseases:
Maharashtra: With increased rainfall and water stagnation, dengue cases have seen a steep rise. Health officials are urging residents to take preventive measures.
Uttar Pradesh: The state has recorded a significant number of dengue and malaria cases, especially in urban areas where waterlogging has worsened the situation.
Delhi: The national capital has been witnessing a steady increase in dengue cases, with hospitals receiving more patients each day. Civic bodies are intensifying fogging and awareness campaigns to curb the spread.
Preventive Measures and Public Awareness
Health authorities are emphasizing preventive measures to control the spread of these diseases. Some key recommendations include:
Elimination of Still Water-Considering that mosquitoes require stagnant water for breeding, regulatory bodies advice their residents to collect the waters collected in pots and tyres and eradicate stagnated waters from all avenues.
Usage of Mosquito Insect Repellents-Awareness to have repellent ointment against insects will automatically minimize chances for mosquito bite occurrence.
Dress to be fully covered-Updressed and closed shoes during most hours, even though a specific time such as morning hours where mosquitoes become prevalent can save more people.
Fogging and Spraying – Local municipal corporations are holding fumigation drives to get rid of mosquitoes from the affected areas.
Community Participation – Awareness programs for the public are conducted to help them identify early symptoms and take effective preventive measures
Activities under Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is continually trying to come up with better control mechanisms for vector-borne diseases. To name a few, they are:
Vaccine Development: Vaccines are under development for diseases such as dengue to provide long-term immunity.
Population Control of Mosquitoes: Scientists are trying genetic modification and biological methods to reduce the mosquito population.
Advanced Diagnostic Techniques: Faster and more efficient diagnostic tools are being developed to detect infections at an early stage, thereby ensuring timely treatment.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Long-Term Solutions
In order to prevent an acute rise, more emphasis will need to be on long-term goals. However, strengthening the infrastructure of public health, ensuring greater cleanliness, and investing in vaccines and other forms of vector control will contribute enormously to curbing these diseases efficiently.
With collective efforts of government agencies, medical researchers, and the public at large, a better future for healthier citizens in India can be ensured by reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases.
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