Monsoon, the most loved weather is a time when everything around looks bright, clean and green. Colourful umbrellas and raincoats are brought out and the aroma of piping hot chai and pakoras tempts to gorge on. Of course, the showers have brought a lot of relief from the scorching sun. But it is not the good things that the monsoon brings with it.
With the pleasant showers come mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are dreaded because they bring in many vector borne diseases along with them. Moreover, the rain water is the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria which in turn lead to diseases. Prominent among them is malaria.
Malaria caused by female anopheles mosquito breeds in waterlogged areas. It is because of this, that malaria is the most common ailment during monsoon. Fever, shivers, muscle pain and weakness are the most foremost symptoms of malaria. If you develop flu-like symptoms, it is time to visit the doctor. . .
Mosquitoes although tiny, can prove to be the most brutal killers during monsoon. Malaria is lethal and accounts for more than 500,000 deaths per year.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately half of the entire human population in the world is presently facing the risk of contracting malaria. Scientists have also issued a warning about the negative impact that this disease could have on the reproductive health resulting in poor quality of semen in men and increased risk of miscarriages in women.
The statistics are terrifying and a lot has to be done on an individual & government level in order to eradicate or at least curb the spread of this life threatening disease.
How can you protect yourself and your loved ones to stay safe from malaria?
These important preventive measures can help you keep Malaria at bay:
- Maintain a high level of hygiene in your home. Dirty and unhygienic environment serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. In the absence of mosquitoesthere would be no vectors to spread the disease. Scientists believe that housing improvements in certain settings can help eradicate malaria
- Make sure that you are sufficiently hydrated at all times
- During monsoon, mosquitoes and flies multiply at an alarming rate. Always apply a strong insect repellant to keep them at bay. Affix mosquito screens, nets and fibre glass meshes on your doors or windows to prevent these parasites from entering your home.
- You can also take an anti-malarial drug only if your doctor recommends the same
- Try to stay away from insanitary and damp places. Avoid walking through dirty water. Polluted water that is accumulated in potholes harbors many bacteria and germs which can later give rise to serious health issues
- Opt for light-colored clothes as dark colored outfits tend to attract flies & mosquitoeswhich also increases the risk of being bitten
- Mosquitoes do not thrive in cold temperature settings. Try to stay away from hot & humid environment for prevention of Malaria
