Your Guide to Staying Safe From Monsoon Diseases by Dr. Biplav Ekka
Synopsis
While the Monsoon season brings with it the benefits of sipping a cup of warm chai in beautiful weather, it also does raise the chances of getting infected by mosquito-borne diseases. Read this blog by Dr. Biplav Ekka to know how to stay safe this season.
Key Takeaways
- During monsoon insect-borne diseases like Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya increase
- Learn to identify symptoms of diseases that can infect you in monsoons
- Here are some prevention protocols to keep you & your family safe this monsoon
Monsoon is here and so are monsoon-related diseases that can affect your health. The humid climate, heavy rains, and windy environment spread many infectious diseases like Malaria, Dengue, and Chikungunya. We have with us, Dr. Biplav Ekka, MBBS who is here to discuss monsoon-related diseases and how to prevent them.
About Monsoon
Speaking to us about monsoons, Dr. Ekka says, "India observes the monsoon season from mid-June to mid-September. It is during this season that insect-borne diseases like Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya increase." He further adds that while Malaria spreads from the female Anopheles mosquito, Dengue and Chikungunya spread from the female Aedes mosquito also called Asian Tiger Mosquito.
Symptoms of Malaria, Dengue & Chikungunya
Distinguishing between symptoms and understanding the disease is the first step to cure. "While Malaria symptoms include fever with chills, vomiting, headache, and diarrhea, Dengue symptoms include high-grade fever with retro-orbital pain (pain behind the eyes), body ache, backache, and weakness," says Dr. Ekka.
About Chikungunya symptoms, he adds that it includes fever with joint pain, and occasionally skin rashes and that if you see any of these symptoms you must immediately consult your nearby doctor.
Treatment for Malaria, Dengue & Chikungunya
"Malaria spreads through parasite Plasmodium. India’s most common is Plasmodium falciparum, a unicellular protozoan parasite of humans, and the deadliest species of Plasmodium that causes malaria in humans," says Dr. Ekka.He further adds that, Dengue and Chikungunya is spread via Flavivirus, a family of positive, single-stranded, enveloped RNA viruses. There is no specific drug for its treatment but we give supportive and symptomatic treatment to cure it, Paracetamol for fever, IV fluids for dehydration, and Plasma if there is a decrease in the platelet count.
Prevention against Malaria, Dengue & Chikungunya
Speaking upon prevention against monsoon-related diseases, Dr. Ekka says that the Govt of India has launched the National Vector Borne Disease Control program to reduce the death rate caused by Malaria, Dengue, and Chikungunya. The same program also lays down some protection protocols such as,
- Don’t let water accumulate near you. If it is getting accumulated spray kerosene oil on such surfaces.
- Wear full sleeves when leaving the house and use a mosquito repellant.
- Keep your doors and windows closed in the mornings and evenings.
- Use a mosquito net and apply repellants while sleeping.
If you notice any symptoms, meet a doctor immediately. Schedule an appointment with a doctor within minutes on Bajaj Finserv Health. This way you can connect with a doctor near you and protect yourself this monsoon season.
Please note that this article is solely meant for informational purposes and Bajaj Finserv Health Limited (“BFHL”) does not shoulder any responsibility of the views/advice/information expressed/given by the writer/reviewer/originator. This article should not be considered as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your trusted physician/qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your medical condition. The above article has been reviewed by a qualified doctor and BFHL is not responsible for any damages for any information or services provided by any third party.
