World mosquito day: Climate change and its effect on monsoon patterns and mosquito-borne illnesses

Climate change is significantly altering monsoon patterns worldwide, and intensifying monsoon patterns, thereby creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This surge in mosquito populations is driving a significant increase in mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. To safeguard your health, it's essential to understand the risks and implement preventive measures. On World Mosquito Day, Dr. Tanmay Kumar Sahu, consultant internal medicine specialist at Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar, and Dr. Brunda M S, consultant - internal medicine at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore outline effective preventive measures from environmental control to vaccinations.

How does climate change impact mosquito-borne diseases

Climate change creates optimal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive, leading to a heightened risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. Rising temperatures accelerate mosquito breeding and development, while altered rainfall patterns result in more breeding grounds. Additionally, increased humidity enhances mosquito survival and disease transmission.

What are the most prevalent mosquito-borne diseases affected by these changing monsoon patterns?

"Changing monsoon patterns due to climate change significantly impacts mosquito-borne diseases, affecting their prevalence and distribution," says Brunda M S. Below, who elaborates on the varied impact across specific diseases.

Dengue fever

Increased breeding sites: Heavy and erratic rainfall creates stagnant water bodies, ideal for Aedes mosquitoes.

Expanded geographic range: Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns allow Aedes mosquitoes to spread to new areas.

Malaria

Extended transmission season: Changes in rainfall and temperature extend the transmission season, allowing Anopheles mosquitoes to thrive longer and in new areas.

Increased vector abundance: Heavy rains and flooding create breeding habitats for Anopheles mosquitoes, increasing their population.

Chikungunya

Increased vector population: Heavy monsoons create water-logged areas for Aedes mosquitoes to proliferate.

Spread to new areas: Climate changes facilitate the spread of chikungunya to regions previously unaffected.

Zika virus

More breeding sites: Erratic rainfall and flooding provide more breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes.

When to seek medical attention?

"If someone develops a fever, body ache, headache, myalgia, vomiting, bleeding manifestations pain abdomen, yellowish discolouration of eyes or urine, immediate medical attention is advised," cautions Sahu.

Preventive measures to protect from mosquito-borne diseases

Sahu shares the most effective preventive measures individuals can take to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquito avoidance

One of the primary strategies for preventing mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito-prone areas. Key steps include:

Climate activities: Adjust your outdoor activities based on the climate and time of day when mosquitoes are most active, typically during dawn and dusk.

Screened areas: Ensure living areas are well-screened. Utilise door and window screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

Protective clothing

Limiting exposed skin can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Effective measures include:

Long-sleeve shirts and long pants: Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants to cover as much skin as possible. It is better to wear light-coloured clothing because it deters insects.

Hats and socks: Wearing hats and socks can provide additional protection for areas that are often overlooked.

Insect repellents

Using insect repellent is a highly effective way to prevent mosquito bites.

Recommendations include:

Applying repellent: Apply a recommended insect repellent to any exposed skin and clothing. Look for repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, which are proven to be effective.

Reapplication: Reapply repellent according to the product instructions, especially after swimming, sweating, or extended outdoor exposure.

Insecticide-treated bed nets

Bed nets treated with insecticides provide a crucial barrier against mosquitoes, particularly during sleep.

Key practices include:

Using bed nets: Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) to protect against night-time mosquito bites. Make sure the net is tucked beneath the mattress correctly.

Maintaining nets: Regularly check for holes or damage in the nets and repair them promptly to maintain their effectiveness.

How can environmental controls at home and community levels help reduce mosquito populations?

Environmental controls at home and community levels can significantly help reduce mosquito populations by targeting their breeding habitats and reducing their chances to thrive. Brunda M S shares some effective measures:

Proper waste management
• Dispose of old tires, cans, bottles, and other items that can hold water.
• Keep trash bins covered and dispose of garbage properly to avoid attracting mosquitoes.

Water storage practices
• Cover water storage containers, such as rain barrels and cisterns, with tight-fitting lids or mesh.
• Treat stored water with larvicides if covering is not possible.

Public Awareness and Education
• Conduct community education campaigns to raise awareness about mosquito breeding sites and prevention measures.
• Engage community members in identifying and eliminating potential breeding sites.

Drainage system maintenance
• Ensure proper maintenance of drainage systems to prevent water stagnation.
• Implement infrastructure projects to improve drainage in flood-prone or low-lying areas.

Mosquito control programs
• Implement community-wide mosquito control programs, including larviciding where necessary.
• Monitor mosquito populations and breeding sites to target control efforts effectively.

Natural predators
• Promote the use of natural mosquito predators, such as fish (e.g., guppies) in water bodies and encourage the conservation of bats and birds that feed on mosquitoes.

Are there specific vaccinations or medications recommended for high-risk areas or during peak mosquito seasons?

For individuals in high-risk areas or during peak mosquito seasons, specific vaccinations and medications are crucial for protection against mosquito-borne diseases. "The dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) may be recommended for individuals who have had a previous dengue infection, administered in three doses over 12 months. For malaria prevention, medications like atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, and mefloquine are used depending on the area and individual health," explains Brunda M S.

"Travel immunisations for mosquito-borne infections exist for yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis," adds Sahu.

What role do regular health check-ups play in early detection and prevention of mosquito-borne illnesses?

Regular health check-ups play a crucial role in the early detection and prevention of mosquito-borne illnesses by allowing for the timely identification of symptoms and risk factors associated with these diseases. Brunda M S explains, "Routine screenings and consultations with healthcare providers enable the monitoring of health status and can lead to early diagnosis if a mosquito-borne illness is contracted. This proactive approach helps in the prompt initiation of treatment and management, reducing the severity and complications of these diseases. Additionally, health check-ups provide an opportunity for doctor's to offer preventive advice, including vaccinations, medications, and lifestyle adjustments, thus enhancing overall protection against mosquito-borne illnesses. By integrating regular health assessments into routine care, individuals can effectively safeguard their health and mitigate the impact of these diseases."

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