Latest news with #Dengue
India.com
12 hours ago
- General
- India.com
Monsoon care: 7 diseases to be aware of during rainy season
HerAs Monsoon has arrived, here are 7 diseases that you need to be cautious of during the rainy season. Dengue is transmitted through Aedes mosquito bites and causes high fever, rashes, and intense body pain. Malaria triggers fever, chills, and sweating. It is essential to keep surroundings clean and prevent mosquito bites during rainy season. Just like dengue, it is carried by mosquitoes in places that are badly flooded. It triggers joints pain, fever, and exhaustion. A bacterial infection that is caused by polluted water or soil, flooded with harmful viruses. Leptospirosis symptoms are fever, vomiting, and aching muscle It occurs during monsoon due to fast fluctuations in temperature and humidity. The symptoms are runny nose, cough, sore throat, and fever. A waterborne disease that lead to severe diarrhoea and dehydration. Food or water that has been contaminated is often the cause. Typhoid Infected by Salmonella bacteria when food or water is unhygienic. Common symptoms include persistent fever, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
CT officials to begin mosquito testing for potentially deadly viruses as invasive species spreads
Connecticut's annual mosquito management program began on Monday to monitor the insects for the presence of viruses that can cause illness in people, including West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis virus, officials said. The mosquito trapping and testing program, conducted by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, lasts until the end of October, according to officials. This year's testing comes amid an increase in an invasive mosquito that is known for its voracious appetite and rapid spread that has alarmed state entomologists. Among mosquito-borne diseases in the region, West Nile virus occurs every summer in the Northeast, and has become the main cause of mosquito-borne illness in the state, officials said. It was first introduced into the New York City area in 1999. Last year, West Nile virus was detected in 309 mosquito samples from 44 towns in seven counties in Connecticut, officials said. The majority of West Nile virus activity occurred in urban and suburban regions in Fairfield, Hartford and New Haven counties. Thirteen human cases of West Nile virus-associated illness were reported last year from July 30 to Sept. 15. EEE virus is more rare than West Nile virus but can cause serious illness in people, with four to eight cases reported in a typical year in the U.S. The last major outbreak in the U.S. occurred in 2019, when the number of confirmed human cases rose to 38, with four cases and three fatalities in Connecticut, officials said. The virus was detected from 72 mosquito samples from 16 towns in Fairfield, Middlesex, New London, and Windham counties during 2024. Veterinary cases of EEE were reported from one horse, a white-tailed deer and two wild birds, according to officials. There were no human cases reported in Connecticut, but cases were reported from nearby states including all of the states in New England, as well as New York and New Jersey. While other mosquito-borne illnesses like Dengue fever and Zika virus can spread in Connecticut, they have not been locally transmitted yet in the state, officials said. 'The mosquito season has begun,' said Dr. Philip Armstrong, chief scientist at CAES. 'We will be trapping and testing mosquitoes from 108 locations throughout Connecticut to monitor the risk of mosquito-borne disease. Typically, West Nile virus activity peaks from July-September with highest levels of activity in urban and suburban communities in the state. 'Seasonal transmission of EEE virus, in contrast, occurs more sporadically with focal areas located in rural areas of eastern Connecticut. We encourage everyone to take precautionary measures against mosquito bites, such as covering bare skin and wearing mosquito repellent, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active,' he added. The CAES has a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 88 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set Monday through Thursday at each site every 10 days on a rotating basis and then at least once a week after detection of a virus, officials said. Mosquitoes are grouped for testing according to species, collection site and date, officials with CAES said. To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, officials recommend: Minimizing time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. When it is necessary to be outdoors, use mosquito repellents containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. EPA registration of skin-applied repellent products indicates that they have been evaluated and approved for human safety and effectiveness when applied according to instructions on the label. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light-colored and loose-fitting and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes and ticks. Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair. When sleeping outdoors, use tents or mosquito netting in an unscreened structure. Treat camping gear with permethrin when possible. Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito nets when outside. For information on West Nile virus and EEE, what can be done to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, the latest mosquito test results and human infections, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website at Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
USA Today
6 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
Mosquitoes are adapting to warmer environments, risking spread of disease
Mosquitoes are adapting to warmer environments, risking spread of disease This story has been updated to correct the misspelled name of Lisa Couper. Warmer weather is lengthening the mosquito season in the United States, increasing populations of the pests and their ability to transmit diseases like Dengue fever and West Nile virus across the country. Some mosquito species are more adaptable to heat and better suited for dealing with heat waves than other insects. That's according to a recent study by the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health's Environmental Health Sciences Division, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 'The most common prediction of how global change will affect mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease is that populations will shift to higher altitudes and higher latitudes,' said lead author Lisa Couper in an interview with Berkeley Public Health in February. 'That is assuming mosquitoes won't adapt to heat. But mosquitoes have all sorts of adaptive capabilities,' Couper said. Mosquito-borne illnesses continue to be a threat to millions in the United States. Mosquitoes may be coming to you As temperatures rise in numerous parts of the world, researchers have been fairly convinced that mosquitoes seeking warmer conditions will settle in previously uninhabitable areas. A study published in 2019 in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases showed possible migratory routes of disease-spreading mosquitoes shifting north if climate change continues. Maps from the study were based on estimates of future temperatures around the world. Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them. Mosquitoes that spread diseases in the U.S. Most mosquitoes don't carry disease. Those that do are called vectors. Vectors means the insects spread diseases such as West Nile virus, encephalitis, malaria, dengue fever and chikungunya in humans, or heartworm parasites in dogs. The main mosquito species that can carry diseases in the United States are: More: Feds recommend pausing vaccine for mosquito-borne disease chikungunya in people over 60 Hotspots for mosquito populations this year Mosquitoes affect some American cities more than others. Orkin released its 2025 Top 50 Mosquito Cities List that places Los Angeles at the top for the fourth consecutive year. Other cities, including Detroit, Cleveland and Denver, made significant gains into the top 10. Ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites If you expect to be in an area where mosquitoes are, such as a park, lake or campsite, be extra careful when venturing outside. Mosquitoes are most active in the warmer months of March through October. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the best way to reduce the risk of infection is to prevent mosquito bites: ◾Use insect repellent, which includes DEET or picaridin. ◾Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. ◾Treat clothing and gear with the insecticide Permethrin. ◾Avoid going outside at dawn and dusk, that's their most active time of day. ◾Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors. CONTRIBUTING George Petras, Mike Snider and David Robinson/USA TODAY NETWORK SOURCE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UC, Berkeley School of Public Health's Environmental Health Sciences Division, Global expansion and redistribution of Aedes-borne virus transmission risk with climate change study, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, National Public Radio (NPR), Orkin and USA TODAY research
NDTV
6 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
How To Prevent Viral Infections This Monsoon Season
The monsoon season brings much-needed relief from summer heat, but it also invites a surge in viral infections. From flu and common cold to gastroenteritis and dengue, the rise in humidity and stagnant water creates ideal conditions for viruses and disease-causing microbes to thrive. Children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immunity are especially vulnerable. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), maintaining personal hygiene and taking preventive measures is crucial to reduce seasonal infections. Here's how you can protect yourself and your family from viral infections this rainy season and stay healthy throughout the monsoon months. Why monsoon increases risk of infections The high humidity and water stagnation during monsoon promote the growth of viruses and bacteria. Airborne infections like flu and cold spread rapidly in enclosed, moist environments, while vector-borne diseases like dengue are triggered by mosquito breeding in stagnant water. Wet clothes and damp surroundings also reduce your natural immunity. Below are mentioned seven tips to prevent viral infections during monsoon. 1. Boost your immunity with a balanced diet A healthy immune system is your best defence against infections. According to Harvard Medical School, good nutrition is key to a resilient immune response. Include fruits rich in Vitamin C like oranges, guavas, and amla. Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, and tulsi to your meals for their antiviral properties. Stay hydrated with warm water and herbal teas 2. Avoid street food and contaminated water Gastrointestinal infections spike during the monsoon due to consumption of unhygienic food. Food safety is especially important to prevent infections like typhoid and hepatitis A. Avoid raw or undercooked street food. Drink only filtered or boiled water. Opt for freshly cooked meals at home 3. Maintain personal hygiene Regular bathing and hand hygiene can significantly reduce the spread of viruses. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses handwashing as one of the most effective ways to prevent illness. Wash your hands frequently with soap, especially before meals. Take a warm shower after getting wet in the rain. Keep your clothes, towels, and footwear dry and clean. 4. Protect against mosquito bites Dengue and chikungunya cases spike during monsoon due to mosquito breeding. The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) advises immediate control of breeding grounds. Use mosquito repellents and nets. Wear long-sleeved clothing in evenings. Empty stagnant water from flower pots, coolers, and open containers. 5. Strengthen indoor air quality Poor ventilation indoors allows airborne viruses to linger. Keep windows open when possible for cross ventilation. Use natural air purifiers like indoor plants. Clean damp walls and mould regularly. A clean, dry indoor environment is essential for lung health and infection prevention. 6. Exercise regularly but wisely Regular physical activity improves immunity, but avoid working out outdoors in wet conditions. Exercise also helps manage seasonal blues and fatigue. Practice yoga or home workouts. Avoid gyms with poor ventilation during peak flu season. Focus on breathing exercises like pranayama 7. Get vaccinated and monitor symptoms early Stay updated with your seasonal flu shots and COVID-19 boosters. Seek medical attention if you have fever, sore throat, or diarrhoea. Isolate yourself if symptoms appear. Do not self-medicate, especially with antibiotics. Vaccination reduces the severity and risk of spreading infections. Monsoon is a time for renewal, but not at the cost of your health. Simple habits like good hygiene, eating right, and mosquito-proofing your home can go a long way in preventing viral infections. Stay cautious, stay clean, and don't ignore early symptoms. With proper care, you can enjoy the beauty of monsoon while staying healthy and infection-free. 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.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Travel-related Zika case detected on Oʻahu
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has confirmed a travel-related case of the Zika virus on Oʻahu, along with two individuals who may have been exposed. Dengue has come to Hawaiʻi: 9 things to know to protect your ʻohana The DOH confirmed that they are monitoring the areas in which the individuals spent time, which included neighborhoods in the Waialua and Haleʻiwa areas. Zika virus, which is carried by mosquitoes, typically includes mild symptoms that last a few days to a week. The department is urging the public to take additional precautions to avoid mosquito bites and prevent Zika transmission such as carrying insect repellent and removing standing water. While Hawaiʻi has the mosquito species capable of transmitting Zika, the virus is not established in Hawaiʻi, with the last travel-related Zika case reported in who experiences symptoms within two weeks after visiting an area with a risk of Zika should consult a healthcare provider and inform them of possible exposure in a Zika-affected area. Check out more news from around Hawaii For more information, visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division website and the Vector Control Branch website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
