Every year on August 20, World Mosquito Day is observed to highlight the serious threats mosquitoes pose to public health and to recognise the ongoing efforts to mitigate their impact. This day commemorates the 1897 discovery by British physician Sir Ronald Ross, who identified the link between mosquitoes and malaria . As the monsoon season brings relief from the summer heat, it also creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, heightening the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
To stay healthy, it's crucial to be aware of these risks. Here are some of the most common monsoon-related diseases to watch out for. (Also read: World Mosquito Day: What is the theme for 2024? Know date, history, significance and more ) Malaria Malaria is a widespread and dangerous disease transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Symptoms typically include fever, headache, and chills, which begin 10 to 15 days after being bitten. In severe cases, malaria can be fatal. Each year, over 247 million cases are diagnosed worldwide.
Although treatments and a multi-dose vaccine are available, malaria parasites are known for their ability to rapidly adapt, leading to drug-resistant strains that complicate treatment efforts. West Nile Virus West Nile virus , transmitted by disease-carrying mosquitoes, can lead to a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, neck stiffness, tremors, convulsions, and muscle weakness. However, up to 80% of those infected may experience no symptoms at all.
Despite being of.