‘Mosquito threat doesn’t end with monsoon’ warn doctors

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

With the monsoon in full swing, fever cases are once again bringing dengue, malaria and chikungunya into focus. Doctors at CARE Hospitals say the immediate concern is not only the seasonal increase in mosquito-borne infections, but also the tendency among people to dismiss early symptoms as a routine viral fever and delay seeking medical advice. Dr. Syed Mustafa Ashraf, Senior General Physician, CARE Hospitals, Malakpet mentioned that during the monsoon, there is a noticeable increase in patients coming with fever, headache, severe body pains, weakness, nausea and vomiting.

If the fever is persistent, symptoms are worsening or the patient is becoming unusually weak, it is better to get evaluated rather than continue waiting, he stated. Dr. Chaitanya Challa, Senior Consultant – General Medicine, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills advised that families need to make it a routine habit to check their homes and surroundings for stagnant water, keep water-storage containers covered and take precautions against mosquito bites.  

Doctors recommend checking homes and surroundings at least once a week and emptying water from coolers, flowerpot trays, buckets, tyres and other containers. Observed every year on August 20, World Mosquito Day serves as a reminder of the continuing health burden caused by mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit.

Dr. Syed Mustafa Ashraf, Senior General Physician, CARE Hospitals, Malakpet