Dengue cases on the rise in Ernakulam
Health officials, who admitted that cases are reported from various places, said the cases will decrease only when people carry out regular source reduction activities to control the larvae of Aedes aegypti.
"The number of patients developing complications is very low. We inform the authorities concerned in areas where cases are rising and urge them to intensify source reduction," said a health official. The Kerala Public Health Act 2023 equips the health department to take action against those who fail to carry out source reduction activities.
District panchayat president Manoj Moothedan said he will convene the district public health committee next week to discuss the health issues arising in the district.
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Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Las Vegas, famous for casinos and nightlife, is now swarming with mosquitoes — here are the grave consequences Sin City faces
Las Vegas, famous for its bustling Strip and desert climate, is now grappling with a troubling surge of these illness carrying insects. Due to weather shifts, urban development, and pesticide resistance, the city's mosquito population has increased rapidly sparking heightened public health concerns. Unexpectedly, mosquitoes species like Culex, known as a vector for transmitting West Nile virus and Aedes aegypti , which can carry dengue, are flourishing in the Las Vegas Valley. Researchers from UNLV report these insects have adapted well to the local desert environment. Even more concerning, many are developing resistance to standard insecticides leading one expert to describe the situation as 'a ticking time bomb.' Tourism and health risks intersect With more than 48 million visitors arriving in Las Vegas every year, the stakes are high. Experts warn that it only takes a single infected mosquito bite to trigger local transmission, mainly considering the global travel in and out of the city. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Shooter Action MMO Crossout Play Now Undo Last year, Nevada recorded 26 human cases of West Nile virus. Although no human infections have been confirmed so far this year, mosquitoes found testing positive signifying the persistent threat. More mosquitoes, more problems The invasive Aedes aegypti first appeared in Las Vegas in 2017, limited to just a few ZIP codes. Today, it has spread in nearly all 48 ZIP zones, and projections indicate it could reach 75 by 2030. These mosquitoes breed in small collections of standing water like in toys, planters, or yard debris often unnoticed by residents. Live Events Urban development has only increased the problem. Features like golf course water hazards and decorative ponds, while aesthetically pleasing, unintentionally serve as mosquito breeding areas . Climate change has worsened the issue by creating warmer, more humid conditions ideal for mosquito life cycles, growth and reproduction. Gaps in control and community cooperation Las Vegas and Clark County do not have a unified mosquito control district. Instead, local authorities depend on fragmented attempts , often concentrating only on public areas. Private properties fall within the responsibility of individual residents, and enforcement is minimal. Experts highlight that even one unprotected pool or neglected yard can rapidly reignite mosquito populations across neighborhoods. Without a coordinated control strategy similar to those used in other cities the threat is unlikely to subside. What you can do now Mosquito season in Southern Nevada typically through late October. Health authorities urge residents and visitors to stay alert. Here's what you can do: Using insect repellent when outdoors. Wearing long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours. Eliminate any standing water areas in your home. Install screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. FAQs: Q1. What types of mosquitoes are common in Las Vegas? A1. Las Vegas primarily hosts Culex mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile virus, and Aedes aegypti , known for spreading dengue and other diseases. Q2. Can mosquitoes in Las Vegas transmit diseases to humans? A2. Yes. While cases are relatively rare, Culex mosquitoes have caused West Nile virus infections, and Aedes aegypti can carry dengue.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Dengue cases rise again: here's how to remain safe
Credit:istock Intolerable summer heat and sudden notification '80% chances of rain today' - sounds more like a relief, right? But love for the monsoon isn't just human-only-mosquitoes feel the same too. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries the dengue virus, mostly breeds in stagnant water. From water collected in old tyres and flower pots to puddles that one hates, these tiny breeding spots can turn into the reason for extreme loss, even death. Throughout the monsoon season, humidity remains high which is favourite for mosquitoes to breed, particularly in the range of 80% or higher. This simply allows them to retain moisture and survive longer. On the other hand, because of the limited sunlight, which may feel like a relief after spending a scorching summer in India, evaporation of stagnant water slows. When to know 'You are not safe anymore': Sudden high fever: If one starts developing high fever, sometimes reaching up to 104°F, then there is a need for proper medical consultation. This fever usually can last 2 to 7 days. Severe headache and pain behind the eyes: Intense headaches are typical, with specific pain felt behind the eyes that worsens with eye movement, making it a prominent symptom. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Joint and muscle pain: People with dengue often experience severe muscle and joint pains, which is why this disease often earns the title of "breakbone fever" due to the intensity of these aches. Sudden ache in any body part is a red flag itself and demands immediate attention. Nausea and vomiting: Feeling nauseous and vomiting are common during dengue infection, contributing to discomfort and dehydration risk. According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , about 1 in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue. Severe dengue can result in shock, internal bleeding, and death. So, instead of doing experiments at home, if these symptoms continue beyond 2–3 days, it is crucial to seek immediate medical testing. Credit:istock How to develop Mosquito disease-proof shields in the body Almost everyone grew up listening to why it is important to clear stagnant water, no matter in which form it is. But is it enough to not let water get clogged or always stay inside the net? The question that comes more often is: How to make the body ready to fight these diseases? Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, kiwi, and guava help because Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system by supporting various cellular functions, making you less prone to infections. According to a National Library of Medicine study , papaya leaf extract is not a cure-all, but studies show it may help maintain platelet counts, especially in dengue, by stimulating blood cell production and reducing platelet loss. So, while it is no magic potion, it's a smart natural aid to have on your side. Staying hydrated with coconut water, herbal teas, and fresh juices is essential because liquids help flush out toxins and keep body cells functioning optimally, giving the immune system the best chance to fight invaders. Traditional favorites like turmeric milk and giloy juice have bioactive compounds shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects, making them worthy old-school heroes worth sipping for that extra defense. Credit:istock Dengue Myths Dengue spreads from person to person. For years this phrase has been going on, making people secluded if they are affected by dengue. But in reality, it does not spread through regular human contact. Only a mosquito bite can transmit it. Mosquitoes breed only in dirty water. They love clean water too—like the one in your flower vase. Credit:istock Plants that can be savior this monsoon Often in the process of taking 'serious prevention' we ignore small but gem elements present around us. Mosquito-repelling plants are not just a functional choice—they can enhance a home's aesthetic while serving as a natural defense against dengue. Citronella: Known as the 'mosquito plant,' citronella releases a strong lemony fragrance that blocks human scents like carbon dioxide and lactic acid, which attract mosquitoes. Keeping citronella plants on balconies, near windows, or in living areas can significantly reduce mosquito presence. Tulsi: Studies have shown that tulsi leaves compounds like eugenol and camphene, which mosquitoes find unpleasant. Lavender: Apart from its calming aroma and decorative purple flowers, lavender oil is a recognized mosquito repellent due to compounds like linalool and camphor. A lavender pot on your bedside table serves both purposes: decor as well as defense.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Dengue claims Behala man, city records second death in a week
Kolkata: A 35-year-old man from Parnasree in Behala, Arijit Das, died of dengue at the state-run School of Tropical Medicine on Thursday, marking the second reported dengue death in Kolkata so far this year. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Last Saturday, artist Swaroop Mukerji (75), a resident of Sunny Park, had succumbed to the infection. A state health department official said though the dengue count was much lower this season than that in previous years, there had been a slight uptick in the past two weeks. Following Das's death, KMC health department initiated a special vector-control drive in and around Parnasree in Behala. A watch is also being maintained on a couple of dengue patients in the area, whose conditions are reportedly stable. Das had been down with fever since Saturday. After a blood test confirmed dengue on Sunday, his family took him to SSKM Hospital. With no bed being available there, Das was sent to Sambhunath Pandit Hospital, an SSKM unit, where doctors reportedly did not advise him admission. But his family admitted him to Vidyasagar State General Hospital in Behala. Despite initial improvement, Das's condition deteriorated, leading the family to shift him to School of Tropical Medicine on Thursday. A hospital official said the patient's condition had already turned critical and the admission process was still on when he died. A KMC health official said the civic body was investigating the reason behind Das's transfer from Vidyasagar Hospital in a critical state. "We are finding what compelled the family to shift Das from Vidyasagar Hospital to School of Tropical Medicine," he said. While the earlier victim, Mukherjee, had distinct comorbidities, Das had no known comorbidity. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Immune system plays a vital role in diseases, like dengue. The condition takes a turn for worse in case of hyper response against the virus, causing cell damage," said Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhuri, microbiologist at Peerless Hospital. Currently, almost all hospitals in the city have admitted dengue patients, with the number rising slightly now. "Given that vector-control measures were launched much ahead of monsoon this time, the number of dengue cases in the city has stayed low this year. But we witness a rise around this time every year," said a health official. "While civic bodies must ensure vector-control measures are in place in public places, citizens, too, must take steps to check mosquito breeding inside homes. " Health experts said the current weather condition was conducive to mosquito-breeding. Amid long gaps between shower spells over nearly two weeks, sunshine, humidity and water puddles provide Aedes aegypti mosquitos suitable breeding conditions. Parnasree, where the latest victim lived, and surroundings are listed as a dengue-prone zone. "We are engaging extra manpower for a renewed vector-control and awareness drive there," an official said. Dengue threat also looms over some areas, sharing borders with other municipalities, like Maheshtala (near Behala), Dum Dum, South Dum Dum, Baranagar and Rajpur-Sonarpur. According to a new plan, KMC executive health officers will maintain close contact with health departments of bordering civic bodies and share data. "We will extend logistic support to them when required," said an official.
