Monsoon is upon us! By the end of June, it will have arrived in all parts of India. Its arrival is indeed a cause for celebration because it brings respite from the blistering heat of summer. But there is a flip side to monsoon as well. It is the season of vector-borne diseases. And one of the most prevalent and most feared diseases is malaria.  

 According to the World Malaria Report, 2018, 94% of India’s population lives under the threat of malaria. Close to 8 million people are diagnosed with it every year – India reels under one of the highest malaria burden rates of the world.

The Indian government has promised to eradicate malaria by 2030. But every citizen needs to do her/his part to make India malaria-free.

According to CDC Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat when you are outdoors. Spray insect repellent on your clothes for extra protection or buy a product with permethrin to treat your clothes and bed net to repel insects. Sleep in a well-screened or air-conditioned room, or sleep under a permethrin-treated bed net.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Here’s What You Should Know About Malaria –

At the root of malaria is a parasite called plasmodia. It enters human beings through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. It is not contagious.

Malaria breaks out in warm, muggy and wet climates – the kind that prevails in India during the monsoon season. The more temperate or drier regions of India like the desert or mountainous areas are relatively safe from malaria.

Don’t undermine malaria. It is a life-threatening disease. And certainly, don’t surrender your fate to the hands of your local municipality whose job it is to curb malaria. Their efforts are often slipshod. Your safety is, to a large extent, in your own hands. Here are a few measures you can adopt to protect your loved ones and yourself from the grasp of this horrific disease.

Uncomplicated malaria: Symptoms may include fever, chills, sweats, headaches, muscle pains, nausea and vomiting. Severe malaria: Symptoms may include confusion, coma, focal neurologic signs, severe anaemia, and respiratory difficulties. Medical intervention is proven to be helpful in preventing complications of malaria.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Don’t Let Those Pesky Mosquitoes Be Born –

A mosquito’s tiny little bite can be the kiss of death. Its population has to be nipped in the bud. Female mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnated and still water. In your neighbourhood, there will possibly be plenty of places where rainwater accumulates. It could be a pothole, a garbage dump, a construction site or a field studded with depressions. Rainwater may also collect at the base of your potted plants. These are prime breeding spots for mosquitoes. And any number of them could be the Anopheles variety – the carrier of malaria. 

So, don’t let water pool in these spots. Some more steps that you can take are:

• Water your plants, but make sure the excess drains away. 
• Before the onset of the monsoon, petition your municipal office to repair the roads and streets and level out the potholes.
• Demand for more effective garbage disposal.
• If you leave out water for stray dogs and cats or birds, be sure to toss out yesterday’s rain and refill the container every day.
• Cover all containers that hold water.
• If you have a window AC installed, place a bucket underneath it to collect the water and throw it away at regular intervals.

Also Read: 8 Simple Home Remedies for Malaria

Personal Safety –

Anopheles mosquitoes usually bite at night. To adopt the following measures: 

• Erect a mosquito net or use a mosquito-repelling spray.
• If you go out after sunset, don’t forget to smear mosquito repellent cream onto your exposed skin.
• Try wearing long sleeves.
• If you are a parent, then the onus is on you to ensure that your children’s school is taking the necessary steps to clamp down on vector-borne monsoon diseases like not just malaria but dengue as well.

If you or someone you know has contracted a fever that hasn’t subsided in 3 days, it’s time to consult a doctor who will, in all likelihood, prescribe a blood test. Do not drag your feet. Delaying treatment can be fatal.

Wage a determined war against malaria. A few simple steps and awareness on your part can save lives. 

Must Read: 10 Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites & Mosquito Control

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.