According to reports from leading health organisations, over 725,000 people lose their lives each year owing to mosquito-borne diseases. No matter how civilised and smart humans get with time, mosquitoes have been a part of our lives since ancient times. With more than 3000 species worldwide, mosquitoes are pretty common everywhere. This blog shall discuss some of the deadly diseases caused by mosquitoes in India.
What are mosquito-borne diseases?
Diseases that are transmitted by a mosquito bite are referred to as mosquito-borne diseases. The three mosquito-transmitted illnesses that are most common in India are dengue, filaria, and malaria. There have been more than two million instances of malaria alone.
Diseases caused by mosquitoes
In India, upwards of 40 million individuals get mosquito-borne diseases each year. A list of diseases caused by mosquitoes and the mosquito diseases symptoms are discussed below:
Malaria
Malaria is transmitted by an anopheles mosquito, which is infected by the plasmodium parasite. As a potentially fatal disease, the parasite is released into the bloodstream with a mosquito bite. Reaching the liver, the parasite begins to grow and mature. Once maturation is complete, these parasites attack the red blood cells, multiplying inside and later bursting them open.
The symptoms include:
- Anaemia
- High fever
- Headache accompanied by sweating
- Body ache
- Diarrhoea
Early diagnosis and treatment can help to overcome the serious condition. Depending on the parasite type, the doctor prescribes medicines and a treatment plan. Some common medications include artemisinin drugs, chloroquine, etc.
Dengue
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease, spread by the biting of an Aedes mosquito carrying the dengue virus.
The usual symptoms are:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Headaches
- Tiredness and loss of appetite
- Rashes
- High fever
There is no particular treatment for dengue fever. Drink a lot of fluids as you recover from dengue fever. Make a quick call to your physician if any serious symptoms arise.
Zika virus
Zika virus disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito of the Aedes species. Additionally, the Zika virus can be passed from mother to foetus during pregnancy through sexual contact, blood or blood product transfusions, and organ transplants.
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Reddish eyes
- Fatigue
No specific treatment or medication is available for this disease.
Yellow fever
Yellow fever is a very serious mosquito-borne disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are infected by the yellow fever virus (or flavivirus) beforehand.
Some observable symptoms are:
- Chills
- Body ache
- Fever
- Headache
- Jaundice
No medication exists to prevent or treat the infection. Use bug repellent, dress in full-length body covering clothes, and also get vaccinated to avoid contracting yellow fever.
Chikungunya
It is yet another viral disease, transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes. This disease is most commonly prevalent in Asia, India, and Africa. Although non-fatal, its symptoms can persist for the long term.
The symptoms are:
- High fever
- Joint pain accompanied by swelling
- Body ache
- Rashes
There is no specific treatment for the disease. The patient is recommended plenty of rest and a healthy diet, along with paracetamol and painkillers (if necessary).
Lymphatic filariasis
Lymphatic filariasis, also called elephantiasis, is brought on by the introduction of a parasite called filariasis by mosquitoes. The disease is very asymptomatic and causes grave damage to the lymphatic system.
Long-term damage leads to some observable signs. This includes swelling in the genitalia, arms, and legs.
The doctor prescribes anti-parasitic medications to kill the parasites and stop them from multiplying. Antibiotics may be used to prevent or treat bacterial infections. Surgery becomes necessary in case of hydrocele (fluid-filled scrotum).
Japanese encephalitis
A mosquito-borne disease caused by an infected culex mosquito (by flavivirus).
Symptoms:
- Vomiting and nausea
- High Fever
- Headache
- Tremors
- Stiff neck
- Coma
No particular treatment is available for Japanese encephalitis. However, people can get vaccinated against it as a preventive measure.
La Crosse Encephalitis
The viral disease known as “La Crosse encephalitis” infects humans when an infected mosquito bites them. Cases are quite common in children and stay asymptomatic mostly.
Observable symptoms include:
- High fever
- Weak body and muscles
- Disorientation
- Tremors
- Stiff neck
There are no drugs available to either treat or prevent the illness. Some symptoms may be alleviated by rest, staying hydrated, and over-the-counter painkillers.
Rift Valley Fever
Rift Valley Fever is frequently caused by Culex and Aedes mosquitoes. The disease is majorly observed in domesticated animals.
The symptoms are:
- Backache
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Photophobia
- Loss of appetite
Specific treatments do not exist since the cases are usually mild and can be overcome with proper care and some over-the-counter medicines.
Conclusion
Completely eradicating mosquitoes or the diseases spread by them seems like a difficult idea. So the best option is to adopt preventive measures to avoid getting those diseases caused by mosquitoes in India. With increased awareness about different types of mosquitoes and the diseases they spread, the rate of prevalence is expected to fall.
Are you or anyone in your family suffering from any mosquito-borne disease? Worry not, since Ayu Health has a great team for treatment and patient care. Reach out at 636-610-0800 quickly to know more. book an appointment
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About the Author
Dr. S. Goel
Dr. S. Goel is a renowned Internal Medicine Specialist currently practicing at Ayu Health, Bangalore. He is a Specialist in Internal Medicine, Diabetes HTN, Paediatric Care, and Family Medicine.