Increasing malaria and dengue cases in Kolkata
Malaria and dengue fever, both diseases which are transmitted by mosquitoes, are increasing in Kolkata. Unconfirmed news sources
have reported that as many as 20% of the city’s residents are suffering from malaria, dengue or an undiagnosed fever. Around
26,000 cases of malaria have been officially reported in Kolkata this year. More than eighty dengue cases have been confirmed.
The diseases are widespread across the city. Several people have died. Local health authorities have acted to raise awareness of these mosquito-borne diseases in the community. Kolkata, India’s third largest city, reported over 31,000 cases of malaria in 2007.
Malaria is a serious disease caused by one of four species of a parasite called Plasmodium. It is transmitted by mosquitoes that bite at night, during the hours between dusk and dawn. Once a patient has been exposed to malaria, it can take as little as six days or as long as one year to develop symptoms. These can be episodic and may include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea and jaundice. If not promptly treated, malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum can be fatal.
Dengue or “break-bone” fever is a viral disease found in tropical and sub-tropical areas. It is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This insect bites during the day and is often found in and around human habitation. Symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, cough, and joint and muscle pain. A rash often follows these symptoms. The acute illness can last up to ten days, and complete recovery can take two to four weeks.
Occasionally, a potentially fatal form of dengue called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) occurs. DHF usually occurs in patients who have previously had dengue fever, and its fatality rate is about 5 percent.
There is no vaccine to prevent Dengue fever. Anti-malarial medication may be considered. Malaria in India is resistant to Chloroquine. In addition, it is important to prevent mosquito bites. Prevent mosquito bites while at outdoors:
- Wear light-colored clothing that covers most of the body (long sleeves and long pants).
- Use insect repellent that contains DEET. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and reapply after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Due to airport restrictions regarding flying with liquids, consider bringing solid repellent or ensure that your liquid/cream repellant is in a container smaller than 100 ml/3 oz.
Prevent mosquito bites while you are indoors or asleep:
- Make sure that there is fly-wire on the windows.
- Use “knock-down” insect spray to kill mosquitoes in your room.
- Use mosquito coils or electric insecticide vaporizers if mosquitoes can get into your room.
- Note that air-conditioning also repels mosquitoes.
- Consider using a bed nets.
For more informations on this and to see what experts suggest , click http://www.indiastudychannel.com/forum/20413-Dengue-Malaria-outbreak.aspx
