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NDTV
2 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Dengue On Rise: Stay Safe This Monsoon With These 6 Essential Precautions
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that tends to spike during the monsoon season. This seasonal rise in cases can be attributed to increased humidity and presence of stagnant water. Increased humidity provides optimal conditions for mosquitoes to breed and survive. Additionally, stagnant water serves as a perfect breeding site for Aedes mosquitoes, the primary vectors of the dengue virus. With monsoon in full swing, Bengaluru is witnessing a sharp rise in dengue cases. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has recorded a total of 442 dengue cases in Bengaluru in July alone. Here, we discuss some effective strategies that can help you prevent dengue this rainy season. Essential tips to prevent dengue 1. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites Remove stagnant water and clean drains regularly. Empty, clean, or cover containers that can collect rainwater, such as buckets, flower pots, tires, and birdbaths. 2. Use mosquito repellents Apply mosquito repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or eucalyptus oil on exposed skin, especially when going outdoors. It will help you repel mosquitoes, lowering dengue risk. 3. Wear protective clothing Wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes to minimise skin exposure. Make sure that your kids are dressed properly before stepping outside. 4. Install screens and barriers Ensure all windows and doors have tight-fitting screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. You can also use mosquito nets, especially in areas where dengue is prevalent. 5. Know dengue symptoms Understanding the symptoms and transmission of dengue can help in quick identification and prevention. High fever, headache, nausea, rash, muscle and joint pain and pain behind the eyes are common symptoms of dengue. Seek medical help immediately if you have been experiencing these symptoms. 6. Stay informed Be aware of dengue outbreaks and take recommended precautions actively. Follow these simple methods to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of dengue. Stay safe this monsoon.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Prevention tips for dengue and chikungunya: How to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases
Dengue and chikungunya are viral infections spread mainly by the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Both illnesses share similar symptoms, including high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, rash, and fatigue. If left untreated or unmanaged, these diseases can cause serious health complications. With a growing number of cases worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, taking preventive measures is essential. Protecting yourself from mosquito bites and reducing mosquito breeding sites can significantly lower the risk of infection. Understanding how these viruses spread and knowing effective prevention tips can help safeguard your health and that of your community. Understanding dengue and chikungunya and tips for prevention Both dengue and chikungunya are caused by viruses spread through mosquito bites. The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are the primary vectors. These mosquitoes are most active during early morning and late afternoon, making these times particularly risky for transmission. While there is no specific antiviral treatment or universal vaccine available for chikungunya, some vaccines for dengue exist but are limited in availability and application. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pensioners Can Buy These Electric Cars in Malaysia - See Prices Here! Electric Cars | Search Ads Search Now Undo Therefore, preventing mosquito bites remains the most effective defense. 1. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly check and empty water from: Flower pots, vases, and plant trays Water storage containers Old tires, buckets, and discarded containers Roof gutters and drains Ensure that water storage is covered tightly to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. 2. Use mosquito repellents Apply mosquito repellents on exposed skin and clothing, especially during peak mosquito activity times. Always follow product instructions for safe use, especially for children and pregnant women. 3. Wear protective clothing When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes to minimize skin exposure. Clothing treated with permethrin insecticide provides added protection. 4. Install mosquito nets and screens Use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially if you live in or visit areas with high mosquito activity. Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out of indoor spaces. 5. Use mosquito traps and insecticides Deploy mosquito traps and insecticides safely around the home to reduce mosquito populations. Fogging and indoor insecticide sprays can be effective during outbreaks but should be used judiciously. 6. Community clean-up drives Engage with community initiatives to clean up public spaces, remove trash, and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. Collective efforts significantly reduce mosquito populations and disease transmission. 7. Avoid peak mosquito hours Limit outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when Aedes mosquitoes are most active. 8. Maintain personal and environmental hygiene Keep your surroundings clean and dry. Avoid clutter that can collect water, and regularly clean water storage tanks and containers. 9. Stay informed Stay updated on local dengue and chikungunya outbreaks through public health advisories. Also read | Chikungunya symptoms that might go unnoticed
NDTV
a day ago
- Health
- NDTV
Fever May Be A Commonly Ignored Symptom Of Chikungunya; Here's How To Identify
Fever can often be a commonly ignored or misattributed symptom of chikungunya, especially during monsoon or outbreak seasons when other mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria are also prevalent. Since fever is a common sign in many infections, it's easy to overlook it as just a seasonal flu. However, chikungunya typically comes with a sudden high fever and is often accompanied by other distinct symptoms. Recognising these additional signs given below can help in timely diagnosis and treatment, preventing further complications or prolonged discomfort. Here's how to identify chikungunya besides fever 1. Severe joint pain One of the hallmark symptoms of chikungunya is intense joint pain and stiffness, often affecting the hands, wrists, ankles, and knees. The pain can be debilitating and may persist for weeks or even months after the fever subsides. This kind of joint discomfort is much more severe compared to typical viral infections and is a key distinguishing sign. 2. Muscle pain and body aches Muscle pain, fatigue, and overall weakness are common in chikungunya. The body ache is usually generalised and adds to the discomfort caused by joint stiffness. These symptoms can make daily tasks difficult and should raise a red flag, especially when paired with fever. 3. Skin rash Many chikungunya patients develop a red, patchy rash on the torso, limbs, or face. This rash can be itchy and usually appears 2–5 days after the onset of fever. While it may resemble rashes caused by other viruses, its timing and spread can help differentiate chikungunya. 4. Swelling and redness in joints Due to the inflammation triggered by the virus, visible swelling and redness around the joints may occur. This is often mistaken for arthritis but is more acute and sudden in chikungunya cases. It's an important clue, especially when paired with a history of mosquito exposure. 5. Headache and nausea Persistent headache, especially behind the eyes, along with nausea or vomiting can accompany chikungunya. These symptoms, although not specific, become more significant when seen with joint and muscle pain. 6. Conjunctivitis or eye redness Some individuals may develop mild conjunctivitis or red eyes, which is not common in all viral fevers. It adds another layer of distinction when diagnosing chikungunya. 7. Digestive disturbances Symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or vomiting may also be present in some cases. These gastrointestinal issues, although not universal, can support the clinical suspicion when combined with other chikungunya markers. 8. Low white blood cell count A blood test might show a drop in white blood cell count, though not as dramatic as in dengue. Lab confirmation through RT-PCR or IgM antibody testing helps confirm the diagnosis. 9. Recent mosquito exposure Chikungunya is spread by the Aedes mosquito, which is active during daylight hours. If a patient has been exposed to mosquito bites in a high-risk area or during monsoon season, it strengthens the likelihood of chikungunya being the cause of symptoms. Identifying chikungunya early by looking beyond the fever is essential for effective symptom management and recovery. When symptoms like joint pain, rash, and eye redness appear alongside fever, chikungunya should be strongly suspected, especially during mosquito-prone seasons. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
News18
2 days ago
- Health
- News18
Is It Just A Fever? Recognising The Warning Signs Of Chikungunya This Monsoon
Transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, the spread of chikungunya is accelerated by rapid urbanisation, poor sanitation, and improper water storage, which create ideal breeding grounds. Once considered a fading threat, chikungunya is making an unsettling return across several parts of India and beyond. The virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is no longer confined to seasonal outbreaks or tropical regions. Today, it's being fuelled by a complex mix of climate change, urban overcrowding, and increased human mobility. Doctors and public health experts are raising red flags as cases resurface in both familiar and new locations. ' Chikungunya is re-emerging mainly on account of climate change, vector proliferation, urban congestion and human mobility," warns Dr. Subhashree Samantaray, Consultant, Infectious Diseases & Adult Immunisation, Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall have expanded mosquito habitats, while rapid urbanisation, poor sanitation, and improper water storage in cities create ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes – the primary vectors for the virus. Further compounding the issue is the importation of the virus by infected travellers into new areas, especially where competent vectors like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are already active. The European CDC has already linked the 2025 resurgence of chikungunya to such international transmissions. What Are The Symptoms Of Chikungunya? The likelihood of relapse or recurrence varies based on individual, viral, and environmental factors. 'A relapse often occurs in immunocompromised or elderly individuals after apparent recovery," she explains. At the community level, factors such as stagnant water, low herd immunity, and ineffective mosquito control accelerate the spread. Prevention: The Missing Link in Public Health What's worrying public health officials is the ease with which chikungunya can rebound. 'Unlike some infectious diseases, it can't be shut down between places without sustained efforts," notes Dr. Samantaray. The solution lies in targeted mosquito control- eliminating breeding sites, using repellents and protective clothing, improving waste and water management, and conducting regular fogging in high-risk areas. Although two vaccines have received regulatory approvals in several countries, they are not yet widely available. 'The dosing and recommendations are still being standardised," she adds. With its dense population, irregular monsoons, and inconsistent sanitation, India remains particularly vulnerable. 'Storing water during supply gaps often leads to inadvertent breeding grounds," she points out. Unless prevention becomes a sustained public health priority, chikungunya is poised to stay and spread. As chikungunya re-emerges with new intensity, it's clear that controlling the disease will take more than seasonal fogging or reactive public health campaigns. Until vaccines become widely accessible and standardised, prevention remains the most powerful defence – starting at home, in neighbourhoods, and in the way we manage our water, waste, and wellness. view comments First Published: July 28, 2025, 18:02 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Canada News.Net
5 days ago
- Health
- Canada News.Net
WHO raises alarm over fast-spreading chikungunya virus
GENEVA, Switzerland: Health authorities are facing a resurgence of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, with new outbreaks emerging across continents and rising infections in Europe, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to issue an urgent global warning. Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, said an estimated 5.6 billion people in 119 countries now live in areas at risk of chikungunya, which can lead to high fever, intense joint pain, and, in some cases, long-term disability. "We are seeing history repeating itself," Rojas Alvarez told reporters in Geneva, drawing comparisons to the 2004–2005 epidemic that began on small Indian Ocean islands and eventually spread worldwide, affecting nearly half a million people. The current wave began in early 2025, once again hitting the islands of La Reunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius, areas that were among the first affected two decades ago. In La Reunion alone, about one-third of the population has already been infected, she said. From the islands, the virus has moved to parts of Africa, including Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya, and is now seeing epidemic-level transmission in South and Southeast Asia, including India. The growing number of imported cases in Europe and recent evidence of local mosquito-driven transmission have especially alarmed public health officials. Since May 1, France has recorded around 800 imported cases of chikungunya. More concerning, however, are twelve episodes of local transmission in southern regions of the country, meaning infections occurred from mosquitoes within France, rather than from travel abroad. Italy has also confirmed a locally transmitted case in the past week. Chikungunya is spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, including the day-biting tiger mosquito, which also transmits other illnesses such as dengue and Zika. The virus has no specific treatment, making prevention critical. WHO urges the use of insect repellents, long-sleeved clothing, and other protective measures to reduce mosquito bites and prevent outbreaks. WHO warns that without swift and coordinated action, the world could see a repeat of the global crisis that unfolded 20 years ago.
