Cases of mosquito-borne ailments spike during the summer months of March-July when mosquitoes are most active. There are an estimated 3,700 types of mosquitoes that carry pathogens and parasites transmitting physical diseases. According to the World Health Organization, mosquito-borne diseases comprise 17 percent of all infectious illnesses and cause 1 million deaths every year. Some common mosquito-borne diseases prevalent in India include malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and lymphatic filariasis.

Dr. Deepalakshmi Sriram

Prevention guidelines. The World Health Organisation (WHO) works with partners worldwide to provide education and improve public awareness about mosquito-borne diseases. The best way to avoid a mosquito-borne disease is to prevent the bite of a mosquito. There are no anti-viral drugs to treat these diseases, and with the exception of yellow fever, there are no effective vaccines to prevent them.

Indoors. Use meshed windows and doors, mosquito netting over beds and air conditioning. Remove standing water from containers around the house and garden to reduce mosquito breeding areas. Apply a surface film of oil to standing water to clog the breathing tubes of wrigglers, which can also be killed by larvicides.

Outdoors. Apply insect repellent containing DEET or another active substance on exposed skin when outdoors. Additionally, skin exposure should be minimized by wearing long sleeves and pants.

These precautions should be adhered to especially in areas where mosquitoes are circulating. Due to the serious risk of microcephaly and other neurological defects, pregnant women are advised to avoid traveling to regions where the Zika virus is common. Women expecting to become pregnant and their male partners who plan travel to these regions should consult with their doctors and follow preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites.

Community. Access to safe water and sanitation is critical for disease control and elimination. Be proactive and get involved with your local community to improve clean water storage and sanitation facilities.

Mosquito/vector borne diseases are transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Some common types of mosquitoes/diseases include.