A child dies of a mosquito spread disease every 30 seconds. If you are a parent you are already horrified and making a mental note about paying more attention to keeping your kids safe from both mosquitoes and the diseases they spread. While a lot of ads are available about staying safe from mosquitoes, not much is known about the mosquito spread diseases. We have done studying for you so you can have all the necessary information at your fingertips to keep the tiny tot safe and healthy.
Malaria
Caused: by plasmodium protozoans transmitted by infected female anopheles mosquito. There are five species of plasmodium that can cause malaria.
Symptoms: usually begin 8-25 days after being infected
Symptoms: usually include fever, fatigue, vomiting, headaches, shivering and joint pain etc.
Vaccination: Work in progress
Treatment: Antimalarial medications prescribed by the doctor. It is advisable to complete the full course of medication to minimize chances of a relapse. Adequate rest and a healthy diet help in recovery.
Dengue Fever
Caused: by the Dengue virus transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes
Symptoms: usually begin 4-7 days after being infected
Symptoms: usually include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains
Vaccination: Work in progress
Treatment: Antiviral drugs for dengue are not available, so dengue fever can only be managed and not necessarily treated. Medication for relief from the symptoms can be prescribed by the doctor. Staying well hydrated is a must since dengue causes dehydration by loss of plasma. Hospitalization is recommended in case the symptoms aggrevate beyond control.
Chickunguniya (Also known as Break bone fever)
Caused: by the chickungunya virus transmitted by Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus mosquito
Symptoms: usually begin 2-4 days after exposure
Symptoms: usually include sudden onset of fever, joint pains, rashes, headache, fatigue, digestive complaints etc.
Vaccination: Not discovered yet
Treatment: No specific treatment is available for chickungunya. Supportive care and doctor prescribed medication for treating symptoms is the way to go. Joint pains can be relieved with medication. Heat compresses help ease joint pains. A light but nutritious diet and rest helps reduce recuperation time.
Most symptoms for diseases spread by mosquitoes are similar and can be difficult to diagnose without proper tests. It's best not to self-medicate if you notice any of these symptoms and consult a doctor. Especially in case of kids things can get out of hand very fast. Most of these diseases do not have vaccinations, thus the best way to deal with it is to prevent it.
Preventive measures are the best cure for these diseases. Protection from mosquitoes should be taken seriously and treated such given the fact that the Indian sub-continent falls in the heavily mosquito infested tropical region. This was our small 101 on life threatening diseases spread by mosquitoes and how to catch them in the bud. We will be back soon with more on keeping kids safe from other mosquito spread diseases.
