Latest news with #AjayNair
News18
3 days ago
- Health
- News18
Is It True That Dengue Mosquitoes Only Bite In The Morning?
Last Updated: In the fight against dengue, accurate information is as important as medical care because prevention begins with knowledge. Hospitals have seen a rapid surge in dengue cases in recent times. With this rising trend comes a common question: Do dengue mosquitoes really bite only in the morning? Dr Ajay Nair, Sr Consultant, Internal Medicine, Narayana Hospital, Jaipur shares all you need to know: Understanding Dengue and Its Carrier Dengue fever is caused by the bite of mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus (DENV) and is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These vectors are well-adapted to urban environments, thriving in stagnant water around homes, offices, and public spaces. Once infected, the mosquito can remain a carrier for its lifetime, transmitting the virus to humans every time it bites. Unlike malaria, which is spread by Anopheles mosquitoes active at night, Aedes mosquitoes cannot be linked to a single time frame, as their biting patterns vary. This often causes confusion about the timing of their bites. The Feeding Habits: Science Over Assumptions The peak activity of the Aedes aegypti mosquito has been recorded in the early morning and late afternoon, as documented in multiple entomological studies, including those published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme of India. The highest activity typically occurs for about two hours after sunrise and several hours before sunset. However, their bites do not occur only in the morning. While early daylight hours see the most concentrated activity, Aedes mosquitoes can bite throughout the day, particularly in shaded indoor areas with low light. Dengue cases typically rise during the monsoon, when breeding sites multiply and mosquito activity remains high almost throughout the day until evening. This flexibility increases the chances of virus transmission, especially in densely populated areas. Clearing the Misconception The belief that dengue mosquitoes bite only in the morning likely stems from early observations showing higher bite counts after sunrise. While this is statistically accurate as a trend, it is not the whole picture. People are still at risk during other active hours, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening. Prevention: Beyond the Clock Since the Aedes mosquito's activity is not limited to one specific time of day, dengue prevention must be a continuous effort. Medical recommendations from Narayana Health Hospital include: Controlling the surroundings Make it a habit to empty stagnant water from containers such as flower pots, buckets, utensils in the sink, discarded tyres, and open storage tanks. Frequently change water in plant trays and bird baths, and always cover stored water. Remember, Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean water too. Installing physical barriers Use mesh screens for doors and windows, wear long-sleeved clothing, and keep doors closed during peak mosquito activity. Using repellents Apply mosquito repellent creams or sprays on exposed skin every few hours during daylight, not just in the morning. Alternatively, use mosquito nets. Community action Participate in neighbourhood clean-up drives to remove puddles and water collected in discarded items. Fumigation can also help reduce mosquito populations. Prevention during travel When visiting dengue-hit areas or places experiencing heavy rains, ensure you are protected from bites regardless of the time of day. Why Awareness Matters Millions worldwide suffer from the effects of dengue fever, with India bearing a significant share of the global burden. Misunderstanding mosquito behaviour can lead to carelessness, inadvertently increasing infection rates. The idea that dengue mosquitoes bite exclusively in the morning oversimplifies their complex behaviour. While Aedes aegypti activity may peak just after sunrise and before sunset, bites can occur at other times too. Public health protection relies not on a specific 'danger hour," but on vigilance from dawn to dusk. By consistently following preventive measures, individuals and communities can significantly reduce transmission. In the fight against dengue, accurate information is as important as medical care because prevention begins with knowledge. First Published: 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.
NDTV
19-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Teen Boy Sodomised, Forced Into Oral Sex On Indore School Campus
A 13-year-old boy was allegedly sodomised by two teenagers who forced him into oral sex on the campus of a school in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city, police said on Saturday. The victim's family allegedly had to run from pillar to post to get a mandatory medical test done, prompting the authorities to launch a probe into the delay. The accused boys, aged 16 and 17 years, were detained and sent to a correctional facility, Annapurna police station house officer (SHO) Ajay Nair told PTI. He said the incident occurred on Thursday when the victim was playing on an open ground in the school's campus, when the accused sodomised him and forced him to perform oral sex. The official said the accused were not students. One of them was a mechanic, and children living in the vicinity often played on the open campus. A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, he added. According to the victims' acquaintances, the boy was asked to undergo a swab test, as mandated by law, at the district hospital, where his family was told, after waiting for a long time, that they did not have the facility. The family met the Chief Medical & Health Officer (CMHO) for the test, but to no avail. The child was then taken to the government-run MY Hospital, where he underwent the test 17 hours after the FIR was registered, they claimed. Policemen also accompanied the victim for the test, the police official said. When contacted, Dr Ashok Yadav, superintendent of MY Hospital, said he has ordered an inquiry into the delay. "I have sought explanations from the Chief Medical & Health Officer (CMHO) and duty doctors of the district hospital regarding the delay," he added. The swab test facility was also available at small health centres, he said.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Time of India
MP horror: 13-year-old boy sodomised, forced into oral sex on school's campus; 2 detained
Representative Image (AI) NEW DELHI: Two teenagers have been detained in Madhya Pradesh's Indore for allegedly sodomising a 13-year-old boy and forcing him to perform oral sex, police said on Saturday. According to news agency PTI, the incident took place on Thursday when the boy was playing on an open ground within the premises of a school in the city's Annapurna area. 'The incident occurred on Thursday when the victim was playing on an open ground in the school's campus, when the accused sodomised him and forced him to perform oral sex,' said Ajay Nair, station house officer of Annapurna police station. He added that the accused—aged 16 and 17—were not students of the school. 'One of them was a mechanic, and children living in the vicinity often played on the open campus.' The teenagers have been sent to a correctional facility. A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, police said. The victim's family reportedly faced major hurdles in getting the mandatory swab test conducted after the FIR was filed. They were first sent to the district hospital, where staff allegedly told them the test facility was unavailable. They then approached the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), but the test could still not be conducted. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mr. Chirag's Ultimate Option Selling Strategy – The Key to Success TradeWise Learn More Undo The test was eventually done at the government-run MY Hospital, reportedly 17 hours after the FIR was filed. 'Policemen also accompanied the victim for the test,' said Nair. When contacted, Dr Ashok Yadav, superintendent of MY Hospital, confirmed a delay and said an internal inquiry had been launched. 'I have sought explanations from the chief medical & Health Officer (CMHO) and duty doctors of the district hospital regarding the delay,' he said. He added that swab test facilities were also available at smaller health centres.
