World Mosquito Day: Alarming Rise In Mosquito-Borne Diseases Becomes Top Concern!

For humans, what's the most deadly animal? Sharks, snakes, other humans perhaps. However, leaving all these horrifying creatures behind, the mosquito is the one you must fret. These pesky insects might lack in size, but are vectors to few of the world's deadliest diseases. While malaria has always been a cause of concern, India witnessed an alarming spike in dengue cases in 2017, the highest in the last decade. Immunity, hygiene, preventive measures, and sanitation play a major role in preventing mosquito-borne diseases.

Not only do these diseases take a toll on a persons lifestyle and family, but they also impede the country¡¯s socio-economic growth, by compromising on tourism and production.

While eradicating mosquito-borne diseases is a ¡°work-in-progress¡±, one must contribute to the ongoing discourse, and what better than Works Mosquito Day to initiate it.

Mosquito- Officially The World's Deadliest Animal!

PBS

Who would¡¯ve thought that a tiny, harmless-looking insect will wreak horrifying havoc, and how! Mosquitos are officially the deadliest animals, claiming over 7,00,000 lives a year.

They play vectors to life-threatening diseases like malaria, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, encephalitis, and Japanese encephalitis, which account for 17% of all the infectious diseases. Moreover, between 2012 and 2016, India witnessed a 300% rise in the cases of chikungunya, and dengue followed at 157%.

What's worse? It¡¯s highly possible that a mosquito is hovering around you right now or just buzzed its way into your home this morning.

Safeguard Yourself This Monsoon

Gardening Know Hows

While the rising global temperatures are only making the earth a safer haven for mosquitoes to thrive in, we should actively engage in activities that prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

The only way to protect yourself from these buzzing irritants is by keeping the mosquito bites at bay and ensuring the surroundings are clean. Stagnating water in your household or neighbourhood calls for immediate action. During peak monsoon, try to wear full-sleeves to avoid the chances of mosquito bites, and keep your windows shut tight as well. Ultimately, make mosquito repellent creams and sprays your trusted comrades this season.

Steps Taken By The Government

The Indian government has been monitoring the worrisome situation and has taken some solid steps against the same. In 2015, PM Narendra Modi joined hands with 17 regional leaders and committed to eliminating malaria in Asia by 2030. Further, they endorsed a roadmap to achieve this goal as well. On a positive note, the last 3 years have seen a 25% reduction in our annual malaria cases.

In 2017, India launched a 5-year National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination. Let alone ¡®controlling¡¯, this plan aims to ¡®eliminate¡¯ the king of diseases altogether. Additionally, the use of integrated vector management, new products to counter insecticide resistance, and to further the ongoing discourse on mosquito-borne diseases is a must.

The latest initiative towards the same is ¡°High Burden To High Impact¡± which was launched alongside the World Malaria Report 2018, and aims to reignite the progress in the malaria fight.