Latest news with #Anopheles
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Docs see rise in dengue & malaria cases as rains arrive early; BMC says no spike
Mumbai: The early onset of rains means the city is battling monsoon illnesses a month earlier than usual, with doctors reporting a noticeable rise in cases of dengue, malaria, typhoid and gastroenteritis. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "In the last 15 days, I admitted more than a dozen dengue patients, including two needing ICU care," said senior medical consultant Dr Gautam Bhansali from Bombay Hospital. A 70-year-old patient from Dahisar was brought a fortnight ago to the hospital's casualty with high fever and a platelet count of 18,000, compared to the normal range of 1.5 lakh to 4 lakh per microlitre of blood. "She was in shock, a complication of dengue fever, and we feared the dropping platelet count would lead to internal bleeding. Moreover, she had diabetes and hypertension," said Dr Bhansali. A 23-year-old male from Worli was the other ICU patient with a low platelet count of 22,000. Both have since recovered and were discharged from hospital. An uptick in dengue cases is usually noticeable in the last week of June, as patients with very high fever for multiple days and body aches, among other symptoms, seek medical attention. For instance, Mumbai registered 93 dengue cases in June 2024, 535 in July 2024, and 1,013 in Aug 2024. The city witnessed over 5,000 cases throughout 2024, according to BMC statistics. "Dengue cases have started rising early this year because of heavy rain for a few days last week," said Dr Pratit Samdani from Breach Candy Hospital. Cases of malaria and chikungunya are also trickling in. "But there is no full-blown outbreak of these diseases so far," said Dr Samdani. Dr Manjula Agarwal, an internal medicine specialist from Gleneagles Hospital, said apart from dengue and malaria, she is treating patients with typhoid and gastroenteritis, typically seen during the summer month of May when people consume contaminated juices or water. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Dr Samdani said he treated multiple cases of liver abscess—a complication of consuming contaminated water or food. "These abscesses are caused by amoebic infection and need to be drained," he added. B MC's executive health officer Dr Daksha Shah said the civic public health machinery hasn't noticed any spike in monsoon-related ailments so far. "Dengue is endemic to the city, and cases occur throughout the year." Public health officials insist that dengue incidence seems to have multiplied in the last couple of years due to an increase in the number of sentinel survey centres. Around 1,000 cases of dengue were reported in Mumbai in 2022, but the numbers have increased four to five times since. Health activists, however, blame poor infrastructure in urban areas that leads to breeding of mosquitoes—malaria-causing Anopheles mosquitoes in dirty water and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in clean water that accumulates on rooftops, flowerpots or discarded tyres.
Hi Dubai
27-05-2025
- Health
- Hi Dubai
UAE and WHO Collaborate to Launch Database to Combat Malaria in 18 Countries
The Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE), under Erth Zayed Philanthropies, has launched a new initiative to help eliminate malaria and prevent its return in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Fully funded by GLIDE, the project aims to build a comprehensive electronic database analyzing national data from 18 countries across the region. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the University of Oxford, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), and the WHO Global Malaria Programme. Led by WHO's entomology and vector control unit for the Eastern Mediterranean, the project will gather and map historical and current data on malaria transmission, with a strong focus on environmental factors and mosquito breeding patterns—particularly those of the Anopheles mosquito. Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Deputy CEO of GLIDE, said the platform will support risk mapping, regional capacity-building, and evidence-based strategies to maintain malaria-free status across the region. She added that the system will help tailor interventions to national contexts and guide better resource allocation. The database will incorporate entomological surveillance, climate data, and environmental conditions such as rainfall, temperature, and land cover to pinpoint areas at risk of resurgence. Expected to be completed by July 2025, the platform will cover countries in both the EMRO and AFRO WHO regions. While most of the included countries are currently free of malaria, the ongoing presence of vectors and increased human mobility keep the threat of reintroduction alive. Looking ahead, Dr. Al Hosani noted that the platform may be expanded to include other vector-borne diseases, strengthening regional health surveillance and response strategies. News Source: Emirates News Agency
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Business Standard
26-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Monsoon guide 2025: Must-follow precautions for a healthy rainy season
While the monsoon brings a welcome respite from the blistering summer heat, it also ushers in a host of health and safety concerns. As nature rejuvenates with lush greens and restored water bodies during the rainy season, it is imperative to put safety first in the midst of unpredictable weather. Without proper precautions, the rains can lead to a surge in infections and other seasonal ailments, especially among children. As the rainy season approaches, staying vigilant and prioritising health and hygiene becomes essential for every household. It is a season to enjoy because it provides relief from the intense heat, but it also gives parents a number of challenges, including the need to protect their kid's health and safety. Being organised may also reduce dangers and provide a safe experience, whether you are enjoying outdoor activities or navigating through everyday journeys. Monsoon special 2025: Common diseases during rainy season • Typhoid: This infectious disease is most common during the rainy season, when there is a greater risk of contaminated food and water. The early onset of typhoid may be indicated by symptoms such as mild to severe fever, diarrhea, headache, stomach pain, rashes, and inflammation. • Gastrointestinal problems: During the monsoon, contaminated food and water might be the main cause of gastrointestinal issues. Consuming raw or cooked food without practicing good hygiene can negatively impact your gut health and result in cramps, gas, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. Seek medical attention right away so that your children can be helped in a timely manner. • Dengue and malaria: The monsoon season provides the ideal environment for bacteria, viruses, germs, and mosquitoes to flourish, leading to the development of dengue and malaria. It is brought on by mosquitoes breeding in humid environments, such as female Anopheles mosquitoes (which give malaria) and female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (which cause dengue). High temperature, chills, exhaustion, headache, nausea, body aches, jaundice, vomiting, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms you may encounter. • Chikungunya: Mosquitoes that breed in stagnant, stale water are the causes of chikungunya. These mosquitoes are frequently found in moist areas such as tires, flower pots, drainage pipes, water tanks, and leftover dishes. The tiger Aedes Albopictus mosquito is the source of this deadly illness. This can include symptoms including weakness, nausea, exhaustion, high temperature, and discomfort that goes away after a few weeks. Monsoon 2025: Tips to prepare for the upcoming rainy season 1. Apply repellent- To protect your children from dangerous insects, do not walk outside without applying repellant all over their clothing. Use a mosquito net, if needed. 2. Eat healthy foods- To boost your immune system, encourage yourself to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Encourage your kids to eat a healthy, balanced diet by avoiding mostly fried, quick, street-side, and raw or uncooked foods. 3. Dress light- To ensure airflow and keep away from being cold, dress them in appropriate, light-colored clothing, such as cotton. In order to avoid fungal diseases, wet clothing and footwear must be dried outside. When your kids are going out, full-length trousers and long sleeves will be a safe option. 4. Practice hygiene - Encourage everyone to wash their hands quite often with liquid soap if possible and sanitizer before eating or after using the restroom in order to practice excellent hygiene. Ensure your kids wash their hands well before meals. Apply medicated or anti-fungal powder on the body very often. 5. Be hydrated - It is suggested to drink at least one or two liters of water each day, especially during the monsoon season, to keep them hydrated. Also, make sure your kids are drinking boiled or filtered potable water. 6. Update with vaccinations - Ensure your child's vaccinations are up to date as per to their age, including the annual administration of the influenza vaccine. 7. Clean environment - Maintain a clean environment to stop mosquitoes from breeding and spreading diseases like dengue and malaria. Maintain an active lifestyle, especially if it involves indoor sports like table tennis, hopping, or skipping. 8. Wear the right shoes and rain clothing: To stay dry and comfortable when you must be outside, make an investment in waterproof shoes and rain clothing. In addition to causing discomfort, wet shoes and clothing raise the risk of colds and fungus infections. Additional protection from intense rainfall can be obtained with raincoats or umbrellas. Do not wear leather, canvas, or plastic shoes. Put on a slip-on or casual sandals. If kids must wear shoes, use antifungal powder to prevent infections.
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Antimalarial agents sidestep insecticide resistance by fighting parasite
Researchers reported in Nature on May 22 that they had identified compounds that could target the deadly malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum during its developmental stages in Anopheles mosquitoes, potentially enhancing efforts to control malaria in an affordable way in the resource-poor areas where it is often endemic. Per the World Health Organisation (WHO), there were 263 million malaria cases in 2023, up 4.3% from 2022. About 94% of all cases and 95% of all deaths in that year were reported in African countries. Last year, India's Health Ministry said the country had exited the WHO's High Burden to High Impact group in 2024, meaning it longer needs to mount intensive efforts to fight the disease. Even so, the National Vector Borne Diseases Control has estimated that 'about 95%' of India's population 'resides in malaria endemic areas'. While the fight against malaria was boosted by the rollout of the WHO-recommended malaria vaccines RTS,S and R21, an important, cost-effective method to stave off malaria infections is to use nets sprayed with insecticide. But according to the new paper, the nets' impact often levels off when mosquitoes acquire resistance. To this end, the study has thrown up a suite of specific compounds that can be sprayed on the nets and which the researchers have said will confer both long-lasting and resistance-proof protection against P. falciparum. The root of this effort is the idea that rather than killing mosquitoes, killing the parasites could be more effective. The researchers have done this by embedding potent, mosquito-stage antiplasmodial drugs in the same polymer fibres that currently carry insecticide. Because these compounds act on P. falciparum, they 'avoid potential development of resistance by the vector' and can block transmission even when the insecticide on the net no longer works. The researchers screened 81 compounds with known antimalarial properties, targeting the early developmental stages of P. falciparum within mosquitoes. These compounds were applied to the bodies of female Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes before they ingested an infected blood meal. Then the researchers assessed the mosquitoes' parasite burden a week later by counting the number of oocysts, an important phase of the P. falciparum lifecycle when it proliferates into its infectious form. They shortlisted 22 compounds that mitigated parasite infection, including endochin-like quinolones (ELQs) — antimicrobial agents known for their potent action against many human parasites. ELQ-456 in particular completely blocked parasite infections while ELQ-331 tamped down the infection's spread. When mosquitoes landed momentarily on surfaces treated with these compounds, ELQ-456 emerged as the most promising candidate. They also found that when mosquitoes briefly contacted a combination of ELQ-453 and ELQ-613, P. falciparum infections in their bodies were kept to a significant degree from maturing to their infectious forms. Next, the researchers evaluated ELQ compounds by incorporating them into polyethylene films like those used in insecticide-treated nets. Reportedly, the films effectively inhibited parasite development in both standard and insecticide-resistant mosquito strains even after they were stored for a year in the open. Finally, the team assessed the potential for these agents to induce antimicrobial resistance in the parasite. Team members found ELQ compounds with similar mechanisms of action didn't induce resistance across pathways other than their own (a.k.a. cross-resistance). They also raised mutated parasite strains that could resist the agents and reported even their transmissibility was significantly impaired. The team concluded in its paper that the agents' 'straightforward synthesis is a promising indication of cost-effectiveness, and … with additional process chemistry optimisation, manufacturing-scale synthesis, and bulk net production and procurement, these compounds will be an affordable and effective addition to bed nets even in the current highly competitive market.'
India Today
21-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Myths about Malaria that could be dangerous
Malaria is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes and caused by Plasmodium parasites. It continues to be a significant public health issue in many tropical and subtropical substantial progress in raising awareness and improving treatment, myths and misconceptions about malaria persist. These misunderstandings can lead to delayed diagnoses, inappropriate prevention measures, and preventable complications. As we work towards eliminating malaria, it is essential to distinguish between fact and fiction. All you need to know from the expert Dr. Rajib Paul, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, 1: MALARIA SPREADS FROM PERSON TO PERSON Truth: Malaria is not contagious. You cannot catch malaria by touching, kissing, or sharing food with someone who is infected. It is transmitted exclusively through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. In rare cases, malaria can be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplants, or from mother to foetus, but direct person-to-person transmission does not 2: YOU CAN ONLY GET MALARIA IN RURAL OR FORESTED AREASTruth: While rural and forested regions may have higher mosquito density, urban areas are not immune. Poor drainage, stagnant water, and unplanned urban development provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes even in cities. With a changing climate and increased travel, malaria transmission is becoming more unpredictable, crossing urban-rural 3: MALARIA IS NOT A SERIOUS DISEASE AND CAN BE TREATED AT HOMEadvertisementTruth: Malaria is potentially life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Certain types of malaria, especially Plasmodium falciparum, can cause severe complications such as cerebral malaria, kidney failure, or even death. Self-medication without proper diagnosis can be dangerous, and relying on herbal remedies or over-the-counter drugs may delay effective 4: ONCE YOU GET MALARIA, YOU'RE IMMUNE FOR LIFETruth: Immunity to malaria is not lifelong. Any immunity acquired through previous exposure can wane over time, especially in people who leave endemic areas. Even those who have had malaria multiple times can get reinfected. No one is completely immune, and preventive measures should never be 5: MOSQUITOES BITE ONLY AT NIGHT, SO YOU'RE SAFE DURING THE DAYTruth: The Anopheles mosquito that transmits malaria typically bites between dusk and dawn, but activity can vary. Relying solely on the time of day to determine risk is risky. Protecting yourself during the evening and at night with bed nets, repellents, and covered clothing remains 6: ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS ARE DANGEROUS AND UNNECESSARYTruth: Modern antimalarial medications are safe when prescribed by healthcare professionals. Side effects are generally mild and manageable. In malaria-prone areas or while travelling, prophylactic drugs can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Avoiding them out of fear or misinformation could result in preventable 7: ONLY CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY ARE AT RISKTruth: While children under five, pregnant women, and the elderly are more vulnerable to severe forms of malaria, anyone can contract the disease regardless of age. Travellers from non-endemic regions are especially at risk due to a lack of THE FOG: WHAT WORKSTo effectively protect against malaria, it's important to follow evidence-based prevention strategies:Use insecticide-treated bed nets, especially while sleeping. Apply mosquito repellent on exposed skin. Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Take prescribed antimalarial medication when travelling to high-risk areas. Seek medical help promptly at the first sign of fever, chills, or flu-like campaigns and public health interventions have significantly reduced malaria cases in recent years. However, busting persistent myths is equally important to sustaining this progress and empowering individuals with correct conclusion, combating malaria is not just about medication — it's about mindset. Dispelling myths, embracing science, and promoting accurate information will be vital in our fight to make malaria history.
