Mosquito: The Most Prevalent Disease Spreading Vector
Although very small in size, mosquitoes are perhaps the only predator that has thrived through millennia, causing death through vector-borne diseases. In fact, it is counted among the world's deadliest, killing more than seven lakh people each year.
Chikungunya
This is a viral disease transmitted to humans from infected mosquitoes. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash. In most cases, a patient's condition will improve within a week. However, occasionally that nagging joint pain may last for months or even years. Chikungunya has some similar signs with Zika and dengue, leading to misdiagnosis of it as the symptoms tend to overlap. Hence, a thorough diagnosis is needed for the same. Do not ignore the symptoms. Instead, seek immediate medical attention. The treatment includes drinking a lot of fluids, staying hydrated by drinking enough water, taking medications only recommended by the doctor, and following a well-balanced diet.
Zika Virus Disease
Zika virus spreads mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, which bites during the day. The virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus and can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations.
It is also associated with other complications of pregnancy including pre-term birth and miscarriage, individuals infected with the Zika virus can also transmit the disease to their sex partners. Most of them do not develop symptoms or are very mild. No specific treatment or vaccine is available as mostly it is self-limiting.
Other diseases include Japanese encephalitis which is rare and can cause paralysis and seizures. It is transmitted by the Culex mosquito and Filariasis, which is caused by Microfilaria, is also transmitted by the Culex mosquito Mainly prevalent in coastal areas due to hot and humid conditions. Majority remains asymptomatic, symptoms include fever, swelling and pain in limbs.
Prevention
Don't allow water to remain stagnant in and around your house. Clean the blocked drains. Empty - room air coolers and flower vases completely at least once in seven days and then refill them. The tray below the fridge is also to be cleaned. Keep the water tanks and water containers tightly covered so that the mosquitoes cannot enter them and start breeding. Spraying of DDT, Malathion and Pyrethrum etc. over all the walls of the house. Use insecticidal sprays in all areas within the house at least once a week.