World Mosquito Day is observed every year on August 20 to highlight the serious threat mosquitoes pose to public health and recognise ongoing efforts to reduce their impact. The day commemorates the discovery made in 1897 by British physician Sir Ronald Ross, who identified the link between mosquitoes and malaria. As the monsoon season brings respite from the heat, it also creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. To stay healthy, it is important to be aware of these risks. Here are some of the most common monsoon-related diseases that you should look out for. (Also read: World Mosquito Day: What is the theme of 2024? Know date, history, significance and more ,
Malaria
Malaria is a widespread and dangerous disease spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes. Its symptoms typically include fever, headache, and chills, beginning 10 to 15 days after a bite. In severe cases, malaria can be fatal. Each year, more than 247 million cases are diagnosed worldwide. Although treatments and a multi-dose vaccine are available, malaria parasites are known for their ability to adapt quickly, creating drug-resistant strains that complicate treatment efforts.
West Nile virus
The disease-carrying West Nile virus, which is carried by mosquitoes, can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, headache, stiff neck, tremors, cramps and muscle weakness. However, up to 80% of infected people may have no symptoms. Despite often being asymptomatic, the virus can be life-threatening. Severe forms of the disease, such as West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, occur in about one in 150 cases. People most at risk of serious illness include those with weakened immune systems, such as those after an organ transplant, those with certain medical conditions or those over the age of 60.
Dengue
Dengue usually causes mild illness, with treatment aimed at relieving symptoms. However, in severe cases, it is often referred to as “break-bone fever” because it can cause intense headaches, muscle and joint pains, high fever, nausea, fatigue, severe abdominal pain, and vomiting. In some cases, dengue can be life-threatening. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread dengue, are often called “cockroaches of mosquitoes” because of their ability to adapt to urban environments and live in close proximity to humans.
Zika
Zika virus often causes no symptoms, but when symptoms do appear, they can include muscle and joint pain, headache, fever, rash, and conjunctivitis. While Aedes mosquitoes are the primary carriers of the virus, Zika can also be sexually transmitted. The virus can persist for long periods of time in sexual organs, often without causing any symptoms, which can lead to unintentional transmission to sexual partners.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is spread by Aedes and Haemogogous mosquitoes. Symptoms such as headache, fever, muscle aches and nausea may occur, and jaundice is the name for the disease. It is often difficult to diagnose because it presents similarly to other illnesses, but an effective vaccine and supportive treatments are available.
Chikungunya
The main vector of the chikungunya virus, Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito), is an invasive species that has spread widely over the past 30 years, bringing the virus with it. Aedes aegypti, another invasive mosquito species, also spreads the virus. While several vaccines are in development, there are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for chikungunya.
