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Summer months in India bring all sorts of changes. The temperatures soar, the air becomes humid, and with all the summer changes, there is a breeding of mosquitoes as well. Large swarms of mosquitoes in public parks and terrace gardens hover around.
Why are mosquitoes worthy of notice?
Mosquitoes are tiny insects found in India, especially in the hot and humid months. These creatures depend on animal blood for their protein needs and for completing their reproductive cycle as proteins from the blood help in maturing of the eggs inside the female body. Female mosquitoes are notoriously drawn to animal blood.
Where's the harm?
More than 6,00,000 lives were lost to Malaria in the year 2022-2023 as per WHO reports. Nearly half of the world's population is at risk of contracting Dengue, which is nearly 4 billion people worldwide. Every year close to 36000 people lose their lives to dengue. Chikungunya is another disease spread through mosquito bites which has also claimed thousands of lives across the world. These diseases can be prevented and curbed by the prevention of mosquito bites to a great extent.
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One might wonder what harm could a mosquito bite do. Less than a drop of blood is enough to fill up a mosquito. Then why should we be cautious of it?
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Mosquito bites cause allergies and itching in most people. This may lead to rashes and skin harm.
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Mosquito bites in some cases may lead to the spread of various disease causing organisms which live inside the mosquito.
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Plasmodium falciparum (Malarial Parasite)
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Zika Virus
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Chikangunya Virus
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Dangue Virus
All these disease causing organisms can be spread by the bite of a Mosquito. Although a single bite may or may not cause a serious infection, when bitten by multiple mosquitoes, one may gain a large viral load in their body. This excess introduction of viruses or a mix of viruses may result in complex infections in the body. Visit the best internal medicine hospital in Patiala to get rid of any allergies caused by mosquito bites.
Am I at risk?
Anyone living in temperate regions where temperatures are suitable for mosquito breeding is at risk of mosquito bites.
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Field workers, or those who work in farms.
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People who travel to different locations for work may get bitten by mosquitoes of that region.
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Lab technicians working with patient samples.
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Those living close to water bodies.
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People living around places of high rainfall and humidity.
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People living in places with poor sanitation, or where water may collect.
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People living close to water bodies.
How do I protect myself from mosquitoes?
There are several simple ways to prevent yourself and your loved ones from the menace of mosquitoes. The simplest of ways being the usage of physical barriers:
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Wear full sleeved clothes.
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Fully covered body.
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Mosquito repellent body lotion.
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Use mosquito repellent sprays.
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Use mosquito repellent agents in the house.
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Prevent waterlogging in and around the house.
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Keep water tanks covered and change water bowls frequently.
Symptoms to watch out for
If you have been traveling a lot, and have mosquito bite related rashes you must be extra cautious of your health. Mosquito bites can lead to the transfer of disease-causing pathogens of Dengue and Malaria among others. Consult your doctor.
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If you develop a high fever.
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Body pain
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Fatigue and lethargy
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Redness and sores
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Itchy skin
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Vomiting
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Eye redness
Manipal Hospital has some of the best internal medicine doctors in Patiala. If you have been travelling to cities with warm climates or observed mosquito bite related rashes on your skin along with any of the above symptoms then you must get yourself examined by an experienced practitioner. Book an appointment or call today for expert consultations.
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