EXTERMINATE MOSQUITOES TO ERADICATE EIGHT DEADLY DISEASES

Till now, Iceland, with a harsh, unique climate and geographical isolation, was the only country in the world that was completely free of mosquitoes. Three mosquitoes were found in the Kjos valley in October 2025. Scientists blamed rising temperatures due to climate change and increased travel for these arrivals. Mosquitoes are vectors for deadly diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, Zika, yellow fever, West Nile virus fever, and filariasis. In 2023, there were an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths globally. World Malaria Day on 25 April and National Dengue Day on May 16th in India highlight the need for public education, continued investment, and sustained political commitment for prevention and control measures, especially before the monsoon season. ‘Chikungunya' means "to become contorted," (due to severe joint pains) in the Kimakonde language in Tanzania and Mozambique.

- DR P.S.VENKATESH RAO

An anti-mosquito fogging drive is underway to control the spread of vector-borne disease. ANI

(ANI)

MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES: Malaria is a potentially deadly parasitic disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. It presents with fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue in cycles. There may be nausea, vomiting, sweating, and abdominal pain. If you visit or live in a tropical region where malaria is common, do not ignore these symptoms as just another flu. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

· Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that causes mild to incapacitating high fever, with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, rash, and muscle and joint pain. Most cases are mild, but a few can progress to dengue haemorrhagic fever, a medical emergency, and can lead to shock, internal bleeding, and even death if not treated promptly. In any similar fever, it is crucial to avoid aspirin and NSAIDs like ibuprofen until dengue is ruled out, due to the risk of bleeding.

· Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that causes severe, debilitating joint pain along with fever and rash. It can affect multiple organs and systems, though it primarily causes joint pain. In rare cases, it can lead to complications in the brain (encephalitis, meningitis), heart (myocarditis), kidneys (nephritis), eyes (uveitis, retinitis), and systemic inflammation affecting the skin and nerves.

· Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection transmitted by Culex mosquitoes from infected pigs and wading birds. It affects the central nervous system, causing fever, headache, confusion, and in severe cases seizures, and can be fatal. It can be prevented with a vaccine. It is endemic in China, India, Vietnam, Nepal, and parts of Australia.