Tips to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases this Monsoon

 

The monsoon spell freshens the atmosphere with the pitter-patter of rain and brings much-needed relief from the blazing heat. This rainy solace also comes with the danger of vector-borne diseases, making you and your family members prone to the risk of falling ill. But not to worry. By taking certain timely precautions, you can easily mitigate the risks associated with the monsoon.3

 

What is a vector-borne disease?

Diseases caused by insects that carry infection-causing pathogens are known as vectors. In India, most common vector-borne diseases are caused by mosquitoes, and a healthy individual can easily fall ill if an infected mosquito bites them. The risk of such diseases increases manifolds as the rainy season provides the ideal breeding atmosphere for these insects.

 

Top Mosquito-Borne Diseases in India:

Some of the common mosquito-borne diseases that take a surge, especially during the monsoon season, are:

• Dengue: During the monsoon, dengue is one of the most prevalent diseases in India. This viral infection can turn out to be life-threatening if proper treatment is not taken on time.

Symptoms: High fever, sore muscles, headaches, episodes of nausea, joint pain.

• Chikungunya: Another major concern in the rainy season is the risk of falling prey to Chikungunya. Similar in nature to dengue, this is also a viral infection that can cause severe discomfort and fatigue.

Symptoms: High fever, sore muscles, headaches, vomiting, joint pain, and rashes.

• Malaria: Caused by the Anopheles mosquito, malaria has been a concern in India. These malaria-causing mosquitoes breed quickly in stagnant water, leading to increased risk during monsoons.

Symptoms: Recurring high fever, sore muscles, headaches, nausea, joint pain, and chills.

• Zika Virus: Similar to dengue and chikungunya, the Aedes mosquito is known to be the carrier of the Zika virus in India. These mosquitoes are generally more active during the day.

Symptoms: Low grade fever, redness of the eyes, skin rash, headaches.

 

Note: If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, consult a doctor at the earliest. An early diagnosis can help you get the right treatment at the right time.

 

Preventive Measures for avoiding Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Although the risk of vector-borne diseases is all-time high in the rainy season, you can still keep yourself and your loved ones safe by taking these precautions:

 

For Outdoors-

• Cover containers: Make sure to regularly clean and empty flower pots or any other container in which rainwater might accumulate.

• Clear drains: Clean the drains properly so that debris doesn’t clog the water flow and water stagnation can be avoided.

• Cover overhead tanks. If the lids of the overhead tanks are broken, consider replacing them before the monsoon starts, and keep the lids tightly closed all the time.

 

For Indoors-

• Keep windows shut- Make sure to keep the doors and windows of your home shut to keep mosquitoes from entering indoors, especially during the evenings, as mosquitoes are more active at that time.

• Use mosquito-repellent devices- Using devices with medicated solutions or essences like citronella oil, neem oil, or lemongrass oil helps keep mosquitoes away while also freshening up the air indoors.

• Clean damp areas: Keep your bathroom and kitchen areas clean and dry to avoid moisture buildup. Use exhaust fans to maintain proper ventilation.

 

For yourself-

• Apply a fabric roll on- Whenever you head out of your home, apply a fabric roll on or a natural mosquito repellent to mask the odour of your skin and avoid those stingy mosquito bites.

• Wear proper clothes- Consider wearing clothes that can cover your arms and legs completely to minimize skin exposure as well as the chance of mosquitoes biting you.

• Stay indoors: One of the best ways to prevent mosquitoes’ stings is to stay indoors only and refrain children from going out during dusk and dawn.

 

Conclusion

No wonder the monsoon is the best time to enjoy the serenity of nature. With the earthy aroma and vibrant green colour of trees and plants, everything seems perfect about this weather. But don’t forget to exercise the necessary precautions to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes and, ultimately, the diseases associated with them. A little effort from your end can save you and your loved ones from mosquito bites.

 

Disclaimer: 

This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional financial or medical advice. To determine the best course of action for your specific situation, please consult with a qualified financial advisor and healthcare professional. We also recommend referring to the health insurance policy wording for a comprehensive understanding of the coverage offered by IFFCO-Tokio plans.