Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by an RNA virus of the alphavirus genus in the family Togaviridae. The term "chikungunya" is derived from the Kimakonde language, meaning literally "to become contorted”. It is rapidly becoming a significant public health concern in parts of the world, including India.
In India, there have been numerous outbreaks of cases, especially during the monsoon season, thereby bringing out the pervasiveness of the disease. In a country like India, with its varying climate and population density, the spreading of chikungunya has emerged to be a big challenge to public health.
Knowing how to prevent this crippling disease is very important for public health. This health series aims to provide insights on this disease along with some solutions. This first blog of our health series is dedicated to effective prevention strategies for chikungunya, protecting individuals and their communities.
Link Between Monsoons and Chikungunya For Risks & Prevention Strategies
Characterized by excessive rain and high humidity, the monsoon provides an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes. Some aspects of how the monsoon season aggravates the outbreak of chikungunya are as follows:
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More Breeding Sites:
- Stagnant Water: Heavy rainfall forms numerous pools of stagnant water, ideal for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, major vectors for the chikungunya virus. These include puddles, open drains, discarded containers, and waterlogged areas.
- Household Water Storage: In rural and suburban areas, water storage practices can inadvertently contribute to mosquito breeding if containers are not well-covered or managed.
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Higher Mosquito Population:
- Humidity and Temperature: Warm and humid conditions of the monsoon season support the life cycle of mosquitoes, raising their population. This increases the risk of mosquito bites and chikungunya transmission.
- Daytime Activity: Aedes mosquitoes are active during the day. With people spending more time outdoors in the cooler weather of the monsoon, it becomes easier for these mosquitoes to bite humans.
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Human Activities:
- Outdoor Activities: Any outdoor activity or time spent outside in the monsoon season increases exposure to mosquito bites.
- Travel and Migration: Traveling can carry the virus to new areas, aggravating outbreaks.
Preventing Chikungunya During the Monsoon Season
Given the increased risk of chikungunya during the monsoon, stringent preventive measures are essential. Here are some practical measures for safeguarding yourself and your community:
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Reducing Mosquito Breeding Grounds:
- Eliminate Standing Water:
- Routine Inspection and Cleaning: Check your surroundings once a week for any container or area where water collection is likely. Empty and clean these containers regularly to avoid mosquito breeding grounds. Discard unusable containers safely.
- Garbage Disposal Management: Ensure proper disposal of garbage in covered bins. Remove old tires, cans, bottles, and similar items that collect rainwater.
- Water Storage Practices:
- Cover Water Containers: All containers storing water must be covered to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
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Personal Protective Measures:
- Insect Repellent:
- Apply Mosquito Repellents: Choose skin-friendly, non-toxic repellents that are safe and have fewer side effects. Formulations with essential oils like citronella, lavender, lemon eucalyptus, and neem are effective. Reapply as needed after sweating or getting wet.
- Wear Protective Clothing:
- Dress Appropriately: Wear long-sleeved clothes and long pants to minimize exposed skin and avoid mosquito bites.
- Restrict Exposure to Mosquitoes:
- Use Mosquito Nets: Use mosquito nets while sleeping. If possible, install mesh screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Close Windows and Doors: Close doors and windows in the evening to restrict mosquito entry.
- Other Measures: Liquid vaporizers can be used for a short duration to reduce mosquitoes but are linked to respiratory issues and other irritations. Burning coils and sprays also have potential negative effects.
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Population-Based Preventive Measures:
- Clean-Up Drives:
- Social Awareness: Empower communities to regularly clean areas around their homes to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites.
- Health Education: Educate the masses about maintaining a clean environment and avoiding water accumulation to prevent the spread of chikungunya.
- Public Health:
- Fogging and Spraying: Support local authorities in conducting fogging and spraying of insecticides in high-risk areas to reduce mosquito populations.
- Health Education Programs: Promote health education programs to inform the community about chikungunya prevention and the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment.
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Precautions During Travel:
- Pre-Travel Planning:
- Research: Check if there is a chikungunya risk at your travel destination. Get updates from local health agencies and news.
- Wear Protective Items:
- Basic Items to Carry: Bring insect repellents, mosquito nets, and protective clothing when traveling to areas with chikungunya cases.
- Stay in Protected Accommodations:
- Safe Places to Stay: Choose accommodations that follow protocols to prevent the spread of chikungunya.
5 Steps Guide for Chikungunya Prevention
Here are 5 Steps Guide for Chikungunya Prevention During This Monsoon.
Conclusion
The perfect breeding conditions offered to the Aedes mosquitoes by the monsoon season increase the risk of chikungunya manyfold. Understanding the mechanism of the spread of this disease will help us take effective ways of prevention to safeguard ourselves and our communities. Reduction of mosquito breeding grounds, personal protective measures, community-wide prevention efforts, and travel precautions are critical mitigation measures against the outbreak of chikungunya during the monsoon season.
In the next blog, we will get into the details of homemanagement of Chikungunyasymptoms, complete with remedies and tips that one can use when suffering from this disease. Stay connected to know more as it is a well-known saying that prevention is better than cure.
Check 5 Steps Guide on Chikungunya Prevention Strategies for better recovery and better disease management to your health.
References:
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