How to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases
April 21, 2021 | Farah Jassawalla

How to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases

You must be all too familiar with the red bumps on your arms and legs that itch to the point of vexation. While you are generally inclined to ignore them as they seem to do nothing but feel itchier, there is more to it. Mosquitoes are carriers of many diseases and viruses.

Following are the ways you can stay safe from these diseases:

      The first rule is always to keep a check on any place around your house where water can accumulate and become stagnant. Mosquitos breed in places like this so make sure there is no water resting in buckets or containers etc.

      Use mosquito screens or nets on windows and doors in the evening time. Mosquitos direct towards the house at that time so remember to place physical barriers in their way.

      Use mosquito repellants regularly. Spray your house and use body lotions to keep mosquitos away in case there are any still inside the house. Also, use protective clothing and repellants when you step out.

      Clean the areas around the house and prevent litter from accumulating. These areas are hiding places for mosquitos.

      Get your neighborhood cleaned and sprayed at a community level. Try to regularly ensure that the community’s sanitation is not lacking in any way.

The diseases carried by mosquitoes can result in mild to severe sickness and in some cases, death. Let us take a look at the possible diseases caused by mosquito bites:

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that results in high fever, severe headache, vomiting, pain in muscles and joints, and skin rash. This is caused by the dengue virus. The fever can turn hemorrhagic in severe cases and bleeding begins beneath the skin. 

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is characterized by high fever. It gets its name from one of its symptoms—jaundice which is the yellowing of skin and eyes. Yellow fever is a flu-like disease that is potentially deadly. The fever is accompanied by headache, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting.

Malaria

Malaria is a common disease caused by a parasite. It is transmitted to humans via infected mosquitos. Generally, malaria is characterized by chills and fever. The symptoms also include tiredness, vomiting and a constant feeling of sickness. If it is diagnosed and treated adequately, malaria is fairly curable.

West Nile

West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted through mosquitoes that also carry viruses like the dengue virus and Zika virus. West Nile Virus does not show symptoms in most people but sometimes it can lead to severe illness; that is when the symptoms become serious. These symptoms include disorientation, fever, headache, neck pain or stiffness, muscle weakness, loss of vision, coma, convulsions, tremors, and even paralysis. West Nile Virus does not have a cure or vaccine as of yet.

Zika Virus

Zika virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes. This virus is characterized by a fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, rash, and red eyes or conjunctivitis. There is no cure as such for the Zika virus. Hence, the symptoms are treated individually.

La Crosse Encephalitis

Transmitted through infected mosquitos, the symptoms of La Crosse Encephalitis usually appear within 5-15 days. However, many infected people do not show apparent signs or symptoms of this illness. The main symptoms include fever which lasts 2-3 days, headache, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and fatigue.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you can contact Shifa4U online for medical advice and medication.

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Farah Jassawalla

Farah Jassawalla is a graduate of the Lahore School of Economics. She is also a writer, and healthcare enthusiast, having closely observed case studies while working with Lahore's thriving general physicians at their clinics.