Mosquitoes are vectors of a number of contagious and potentially fatal diseases, such as protozoan (Malaria), viral (Chikungunya, West Nile virus, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis), or helminthic (Filariasis) infections. The containment and prevention of the spread of vector-borne diseases depend greatly on public education and awareness. In almost all parts of India, community engagement is significantly below expectations, despite several mass media and educational strategies. In India, Mosquito-borne diseases constitute a major public health problem in the list of communicable diseases. The most important are malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya fever. Vectors play a very crucial role in the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases and protective measures serve as one of the best strategies for the prevention of these diseases. A wide variety of personal protective measures like mosquito nets, screening, repellents, vaporizers and anti-mosquito coils serve this purpose. In India every year there are millions of cases of malaria. Andhra Pradesh is endemic for malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Anopheles, Aedes and Culex mosquitoes which transmit these vector-borne diseases are widely prevalent in Andhra Pradesh. Female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria, Aedes aegypti and some other species of mosquito transmit dengue fever, while Culex mosquitoes have been incriminated for the transmission of lymphatic filariasis. Therefore, for the effective control of the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, efforts have been consistently made to educate the community about the danger of mosquito bites.
Author(s) Details:
Pravin Yerpude
Department of Community Medicine, Chhindwara Institute of Medical Sciences, Chhindwara (M.P.) 480001, India.
Keerti Jogdand
Department of Community Medicine, Chhindwara Institute of Medical Sciences, Chhindwara (M.P.) 480001, India.
Recent Global Research Developments in Challenges and Strategies for Controlling Mosquito-Borne Diseases in India
“Mosquito-borne diseases in India over the past 50 years and their Global Public Health Implications: A Systematic Review” [1]:
This comprehensive review provides an in-depth overview of mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) in India. It emphasizes their impact and potential implications for global health.
The article covers prevalent diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and lymphatic filariasis.
It sheds light on their effects on morbidity, mortality, socioeconomic burdens, and the potential for international transmission.
The review underscores the need for concerted efforts to combat these diseases both nationally and globally.
“Addressing challenges in vector control: a review of current strategies” [2]:
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose a significant burden in tropical countries, including India.
Diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, visceral leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, and Japanese encephalitis are of particular concern.
The review highlights the challenges associated with controlling mosquito populations and emphasizes effective public health communication for prevention and early detection.
“A critical assessment of mosquito control and the influence on vector-borne diseases in India” [3]:
Mosquito control is crucial for preventing the transmission of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, and lymphatic filariasis.
India’s unique eco-sociodemographic characteristics make it particularly vulnerable to these diseases.
References
- Naik, B. R., Tyagi, B. K., & Xue, R. D. (2023). Mosquito-borne diseases in India over the past 50 years and their global public health implications: A systematic review. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 39(4), 258-277.
- Kumar, G., Baharia, R., Singh, K., Gupta, S. K., Joy, S., Sharma, A., & Rahi, M. (2024). Addressing challenges in vector control: a review of current strategies and the imperative for novel tools in India’s combat against vector-borne diseases. BMJ Public Health, 2(1).
- Anoopkumar, A. N., & Aneesh, E. M. (2022). A critical assessment of mosquito control and the influence of climate change on mosquito-borne disease epidemics. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 24(6), 8900-8929.
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