Mosquito Menace Rises After Rain: Thousands Contract Dengue and Malaria Annually
Barmer: Mosquito-borne diseases claim thousands of lives in Rajasthan every year. Dengue and malaria cases are the most prominent among them. Chikungunya cases are also on the rise. The rainy season has just begun, and the hospitals are flooded with patients. The graph of patients is rising rapidly. In 2024, before the rainy season, Dengue and Malaria cases started increasing in Thar, and now the situation is alarming.
In the Barmer district, the effect of Dengue is significant. However, Malaria has been out of control for the past two years. Last season, Malaria wreaked havoc in the district, and two or three deaths were reported, but the health department did not confirm them. Barmer district tops the list of Malaria cases in the state. This season, the number of Malaria cases has crossed 151.
Campaign Started in April, but Situation is Out of Control
In Barmer district, a crash campaign was launched in April to control Malaria, but despite this, Malaria cases are increasing rapidly. In the last four days, 20 positive cases have been reported. Medical experts say that if control measures are not taken, the situation may worsen. Last year's situation may repeat itself.
World Mosquito Day 2024 Theme
The theme for World Mosquito Day 2024 is "Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More
Why We Celebrate This Day
World Mosquito Day is celebrated every year on August 20. This day is dedicated to the discovery made by Ronald Ross in 1897, who proved that mosquitoes transmit Malaria parasites to humans. The main objective of this day is to create awareness about mosquito-borne diseases and their prevention.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Malaria: It is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which spreads through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms include fever, headache, and vomiting. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening.
Dengue: It is caused by four types of Dengue virus and spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain. In severe cases, it can lead to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, which can be life-threatening.
Chikungunya: It is caused by the Chikungunya virus and spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Symptoms include high fever and severe joint pain, which can last for months.
Prevention Measure
* Remove stagnant water from your surroundings, as it breeds mosquito larvae.
* Use insecticides to control mosquitoes.
* Use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially in areas with high mosquito density.
* Wear full-sleeved clothes and trousers to prevent mosquito bites.
Barmer: Seasonal Diseases
Year /Dengue/ Malaria
2023/ 604/964
2024/ 14/ 151 (till August 18, 2024)
Dengue in Rajasthan
Year /Dengue /Deaths
2019/13706/ 17
2020/ 2023/ 07
2021/ 20749/ 96
2022/ 13491/ 10
2023/ 13924/ 14
2024/ 1412/ 00 (till August 18, 2024)
