Latest news with #DengueFever
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 5th August 2025
money technology 6 minutes ago In today's episode, Doctors are being warned to be on alert for people with symptoms of Dengue Fever as the number of cases in New Zealand doubles; Dairies say they are having to act like banks as more and more customers ask to get cash-out with their purchases, and local banks reduce services and access to cash; and a new report shows an urgent need for policy around the use of AI in primary schools.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Number of Dengue Fever cases in NZ doubles
Doctors are being warned to be on alert for people with symptoms of Dengue Fever as the number of cases in New Zealand doubles. National Public Health Service Public Health physician Dr Sharon Sime spoke to Charlotte Cook. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
India Today
30-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
7 Essential Precautions You Must Follow to Stay Safe from Dengue Fever
7 Essential Precautions You Must Follow to Stay Safe from Dengue Fever By Chaitanya Dhawan Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and clothes. Use Mosquito Repellents Opt for long-sleeved shirts, full pants, and socks—especially during dawn and dusk. Wear Protective Clothing Regularly empty containers, coolers, flower pots, and trays where water may collect. Avoid Stagnant Water Use nets or mesh on windows, doors, and over beds to block mosquito entry. Install Mosquito Screens Ensure that drains are unclogged and water tanks are covered tightly. Keep Surroundings Clean Especially while sleeping or during power cuts, use bed nets for added protection. Use Mosquito Nets Indoors Follow local health advisories during outbreaks and consult a doctor if you experience symptoms like high fever, rashes, or body pain. Stay Informed & Alert
Forbes
19-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Mosquito-Borne Infections Are On The Rise. Here's How To Bite Back
Mosquitoes-borne illnesses are on the rise. As summer temperatures climb across the United States, many are concerned about a surge in mosquito-borne infections that pose a significant threat to public health. Multiple diseases spread through the bite of an infected mosquito are currently circulating, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is maintaining active alerts and updated guidance to help Americans protect themselves and their families. West Nile Virus: A Persistent Threat West Nile virus remains the most reported mosquito-borne illness in the continental United States. The CDC is actively tracking the disease, with 49 reported cases so far in 2025. However, cases typically peak during late summer and early fall, when mosquito populations reach their highest levels. On average, there have been 1,000 to 3,000 cases of WNV per year in the U.S. over the past decade. West Nile virus is well-established across the United States and is transmitted by Culex species of mosquitoes. Most people infected with WNV experience no symptoms, but about 20% develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Approximately 1 in 150 infected people — primarily children and the elderly — develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system, including encephalitis or meningitis, which can be fatal. Dengue Fever: A Growing Concern An increasing threat is dengue fever, which has prompted multiple CDC health alerts throughout 2025. In March, the CDC issued a Health Alert Network notice stating that dengue activity remains high in some parts of the United States and globally. This follows an alarming trend in which millions of people have become ill during recent dengue outbreaks in the Americas. Florida continues to be the epicenter of concern with over 100 cases reported in 2025. Nationally, 2,396 cases have been reported to the CDC. While no area within the United States has officially been declared endemic for dengue, the virus's establishment in certain regions represents a fundamental shift in America's disease landscape. Dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which thrive in warm, humid conditions. The disease typically begins with sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pain and sometimes a rash. Most concerning is that dengue can progress to severe dengue, a medical emergency that can cause bleeding, organ failure and death without proper medical attention. Eastern Equine Encephalitis: Rare but Deadly Eastern Equine Encephalitis represents one of the most serious mosquito-borne threats, though cases remain relatively rare. To date, there have been no reported cases in 2025; however, there were 19 cases in 2024, including five deaths. The CDC maintains ongoing surveillance and data collection for EEE, as this virus has a mortality rate of approximately 30% among those who develop encephalitis. EEE primarily circulates between birds and mosquitoes in freshwater swamps, particularly in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states. Humans serve as incidental hosts, but when infection occurs, the consequences can be devastating. The virus can cause sudden onset of fever, chills, body aches and, in severe cases, encephalitis leading to seizures, coma and death. A mother and daughter hike together and applying mosquito repellent. Prevention: Your Best Defense The CDC emphasizes that prevention is the most effective strategy against mosquito-borne infections. To help reduce the chances of a mosquito bite, use multiple layers of protection: Personal Protection: Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. The CDC recommends wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Consider wearing clothing and gear treated with permethrin for added protection. Environmental Control: Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. This includes emptying flowerpots, birdbaths, gutters and any containers that collect rainwater. Ensure proper drainage around your property and maintain screens on windows and doors. Abandoned plastic bowl in a vase with stagnant water inside. This creates a breeding ground for ... More mosquitoes. Indoor Protection: Stay in places with air conditioning and window or door screens. Use bed nets if sleeping outdoors or if screened rooms are unavailable. This is particularly important in areas where dengue transmission is occurring, such as Florida and California. Travel Precautions: If traveling to areas with known dengue or Zika transmission, take extra precautions by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing. Pregnant women should consult healthcare providers before traveling to affected areas. When to Seek Medical Care If you develop a fever or symptoms such as a rash or body aches after mosquito exposure, it's important to seek medical care. Early detection and proper medical management can prevent complications and improve outcomes. Testing by serology (i.e., antibody tests) or PCR is available at larger reference labs or public health labs. As climate change, deforestation and global travel continue to influence disease spread, the rise in mosquito-borne illnesses serves as an important reminder that these infections are not just tropical diseases but immediate threats to public health in the United States. Taking appropriate precautions can reduce the chances of infection and help ensure a safe and healthy remainder of the summer.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
10 common monsoon diseases that might cause serious health problems; know symptoms and how to protect yourself
The rainy season offers a refreshing break from the scorching summer, but it also brings a rise in illnesses due to damp conditions, stagnant water, and poor hygiene. These factors create the ideal breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and mosquitoes. From waterborne infections to mosquito-borne diseases, health risks multiply during this time. Increased humidity can also weaken the immune system, making people more vulnerable. Being aware of the most common seasonal illnesses can help with early detection and prevention. Below are ten common diseases to watch out for during the rainy season to ensure you and your family stay safe and healthy. Diseases that surge during the rainy season: Symptoms and ways to stay safe Disease Cause Symptoms How to protect yourself Dengue Fever Aedes mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water High fever, severe body pain, rashes, weakness Remove standing water, use mosquito repellent, wear full-sleeved clothes, sleep under bed nets Malaria Anopheles mosquitoes carrying Plasmodium parasites Chills, sweating, fever, vomiting Use insecticide-treated nets, apply mosquito spray, stay indoors at dusk, ensure proper drainage Leptospirosis Contact with floodwater contaminated with infected animal urine Fever, muscle pain, red eyes Avoid wading in floodwaters, wear boots, maintain hygiene, keep surroundings rodent-free Chikungunya Mosquito-borne viral infection Fever, severe joint pain Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, use repellents and protective clothing, clean water containers Typhoid Fever Contaminated food and water Prolonged fever, weakness, abdominal pain, constipation Drink boiled/filtered water, avoid street food, wash hands, get vaccinated Cholera Ingestion of food/water with Vibrio cholerae bacteria Severe diarrhea, dehydration Drink clean/boiled water, wash hands often, maintain food hygiene, avoid raw food Hepatitis A Viral infection from contaminated food or water Jaundice, nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain Drink clean water, wash produce, eat hygienically cooked food, get vaccinated Common Cold & Flu Viral infection triggered by monsoon humidity Sore throat, sneezing, cough, fever Maintain distance from sick people, wash hands, strengthen immunity, keep surroundings dry Fungal Infections Damp conditions promoting fungal growth Itchy rashes, athlete's foot, ringworm Keep skin dry, change wet clothes, use antifungal powder, avoid sharing towels/clothes Gastroenteritis Bacterial/viral infection via contaminated food/water Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps Eat freshly prepared food, drink safe water, maintain hygiene, avoid roadside food Common rainy season diseases , their symptoms and prevention Dengue Fever Cause: Spread by Aedes mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water Symptoms: High fever, severe body pain, rashes, weakness Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by a mosquito that thrives on standing water available during the monsoon. Sudden onset of high fever with intense body and joint pain are typically the first signs. Soon after, skin rashes and intense weakness develop. Immediate medical care and adequate hydration are needed to prevent developing complications of dengue hemorrhagic fever. How to protect yourself: Remove standing water around the house (flowerpot, coolers, buckets). Employ mosquito repellants and use full-sleeved clothing. Sleep in bed nets against mosquitoes. Keep windows and doors screened or closed at dawn and dusk. Malaria Cause: Transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes due to Plasmodium parasites Symptoms: Chills, sweating, fever, vomiting Malaria is another mosquito-borne disease that culminates in rainy seasons. The parasites are inoculated into the blood by bites from mosquitoes, and they create cyclical fever patterns accompanied by chills and vomiting. Precautionary measures like sleeping under a mosquito net, applying repellents, and keeping the place clean and free from standing water can reduce risk to a large degree. How to protect yourself: Use insecticide-treated bed nets. Spray mosquito repellents indoors and outdoors. Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours. Maintain proper drainage to avoid mosquito breeding. Leptospirosis Cause: Bacterial infection from water with animal urine Symptoms: Fever, muscle pain, red eyes Leptospirosis occurs when you come into contact with urine-tainted water from infected animals, especially in floods. It produces flu-like symptoms like fever, body pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Avoid wading through floodwaters, practice good hygiene, and consult a doctor if symptoms appear. How to protect yourself: Do not walk through standing or contaminated water. Use protective footwear in heavy rain or cleaning. Practice hygiene and wash feet clean after exposure. Keep rodents out of your home and environment. Chikungunya Cause: Viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes Symptoms: Fever, severe pain in the joints Chikungunya is dengue-like but distinguished by prolonged arthritis-like joint pain. It is transmitted by the same mosquitoes that transmit dengue and most often causes acute fever with blinding joint inflammation. Rest, fluids, and pain control assuage symptoms in the absence of antiviral medication. How to protect yourself: Prevent bites from mosquitoes through repellents and screens. Eliminate breeding sites such as uncovered water tanks. Wear arms and legs covers when stepping outside. Clean water storage vessels regularly. Typhoid Fever Cause: Spread by contaminated food and water Symptoms: Prolonged fever, weakness, pain in the abdomen, constipation Typhoid is a life-threatening bacterial infection that is common during monsoons due to poor sanitation. It causes prolonged high fever, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal issues like constipation. Prevent typhoid by practicing food hygiene, drinking purified water, and taking the vaccine in risk-affected areas. How to protect yourself: Drink only purified or boiled water. Avoid raw salads, street food, and unclean restaurants. Wash hands with soap thoroughly before eating. Vaccinate in exposed areas. Cholera Cause: Eating contaminated food or water containing Vibrio cholerae bacteria Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, dehydration Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness that can result in sudden dehydration and death if not treated. It usually results from water or food contaminated with the illness in dirty environments. Oral rehydration therapy promptly is crucial for recovery, alongside water safety and sanitation measures. How to protect yourself: Drink only filtered, clean, or boiled water at all times. Keep yourself clean and dispose of waste safely. Wash hands often, particularly after using the toilet. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked food. Hepatitis A Cause: Viral infection via contaminated water or food Symptoms: Jaundice, fatigue, nausea, pain in the abdomen Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused primarily by drinking contaminated water or food. The symptoms include jaundice, weakness, and gastric disturbance. Vaccination and proper sanitation practices are the best ways to prevent infection. How to protect yourself: Avoid consuming food from dirty food stalls or hawkers. Eat neatly cooked food and clean water. Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly. Immunization is strongly advised in endemic areas. Common Cold and Flu Cause: Viral infection caused by the temperature and humidity Symptoms: Sore throat, sneezing, cough, fever Monsoon weather promotes the spread of respiratory viruses, and a greater number of people get colds and flu. The symptoms are typically mild but cause inconvenience. Rest, excessive fluid intake, and proper hygiene measures, including frequent hand washing, allow for rapid recovery. How to protect yourself: Do not be in close contact with affected persons. Strengthen your immunity through a balanced diet and fluids. Cover mouth with tissues or the elbow while coughing/sneezing. Keep your environment clean and dry. Fungal Infections Cause: Fungi that thrive in damp environments Symptoms: Itchy scaly lesions on skin; athlete's foot; ringworm The rainy season's humid weather is an ideal environment for fungal skin and nail infections. Fungal infections like athlete's foot and ringworm are common in this category. Keeping the skin dry, wearing loose clothing, and using antifungal creams or powder prevent and treat these infections. How to protect yourself: Dry the skin and dress in breathable clothes. Immediately change out of wet clothing. Apply antifungal powders or creams if susceptible to infection. Avoid sharing towels, socks, or shoes. Gastroenteritis Cause: Bacterial or viral infection through contaminated food or water Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps Gastroenteritis causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines and results in vomiting and diarrhea. It is usually picked up through unhygienic food preparation or drinking contaminated water. Proper food hygiene and hydration are needed to avoid the most serious complications. How to protect yourself: All food must be freshly prepared and cooked. Don't consume exposed food from street vendors. Keep food in clean, cover containers. Keep drinking water clean and don't consume ice from unknown sources. Also Read | Bryan Johnson's routine reveals the future of healthy aging and live happily - know how he looks younger than his age One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
