Health officials warn against serious diseases caused by mosquitoes: How to remain safe

The recent surge in deaths due to vector-borne diseases like West Nile and Dengue in Idukki has alarmed health officials and the public. With the monsoon season not so far away, the district’s health department has called for increased vigilance and precautionary measures. Here is all you need to know about the broader implications of vector-borne diseases, and the strategies recommended by global health authorities to curb their spread.
Tragic incidents in Idukki have highlighted the lethal threat posed by mosquito-borne diseases.
On May 25, Baiju, a 46-year-old resident of Kanjikkuzhy, succumbed to dengue at the Kottayam Medical College Hospital. Initially admitted to a private hospital in Thodupuzha, his condition deteriorated after being transferred to the medical college. Similarly, on May 17, a 24-year-old man from Maniyarankudi died due to West Nile disease at the Idukki Medical College Hospital. This patient had contracted the disease while receiving post-kidney transplant treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode.Health experts are increasingly concerned about the impact of climate change on the increase of vector-borne diseases. Rising temperatures and altered weather patterns have expanded the habitats suitable for disease-carrying mosquitoes, thereby increasing the incidence of diseases like dengue and West Nile.A study published in the Lancet also highlights this connection, noting that warmer climates and erratic rainfall contribute to the spread of mosquitoes. This trend is particularly troubling for low- and middle-income countries, where healthcare systems are often ill-equipped to handle such outbreaks.
Global impact and WHO recommendations
Vector-borne diseases pose a threat to 80% of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization
(WHO). These diseases, spread by mosquitoes, flies, bugs, and other vectors, result in millions of infections and numerous deaths annually. They disproportionately affect impoverished communities, increasing existing health and socioeconomic disparities.
To deal with these diseases, WHO recommends two primary vector control interventions: insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). ITNs protect individuals while they sleep, reducing the incidence of diseases like malaria. IRS involves spraying insecticides inside homes to kill mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects. Initially focused on malaria, IRS has proven effective against other vector-borne diseases as well.
Tips to keep mosquitoes away from home?
1. Regularly empty and clean containers like flower pots, bird baths, and pet bowls to prevent mosquito breeding.
2. Install fine mesh screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
3. Use EPA-approved repellents on exposed skin and mosquito-repellent candles or coils in outdoor areas.
4. Use ceiling or portable fans to create strong airflow, which can keep mosquitoes both indoors and outdoors.
5. Grow citronella, lavender, marigold, basil, and rosemary around your home to naturally repel mosquitoes.
6. Apply indoor aerosol insecticides and outdoor residual sprays according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Keep screens, nets, and other physical barriers in good condition to ensure they remain effective in keeping mosquitoes out.Health departments and implementing partners must collaborate closely to design, plan, and execute vector control operations. Adequate health system capacity is necessary to ensure timely and high-quality application of insecticides, which can significantly reduce the incidence of vector-borne diseases.