When mosquitoes increase during the rainy season, we immediately think of dengue, right? Similarly, when we go for a walk in the forest, we are also afraid of ticks. Do you really know how many dangerous diseases can be transmitted to us by small animals like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas? These small animals are responsible for the death of millions of people around the world every year. Today we are talking about diseases transmitted by such disease-carrying animals.
What are these vector-borne diseases?
Simply put, a vector is a disease-causing germ, such as a virus, bacteria, or parasite (pathogen), that is carried from one animal to another, and sometimes from one person to another. These vectors first take the germ into their bodies when they suck the blood of an infected animal or person. Then, when the vector bites a healthy person, they inject the germ into that person.
Think about a mosquito. If a mosquito bites someone with dengue, it is more likely to bite you. Diseases that are transmitted this way are called 'Vector-Borne Diseases '.
Some of the most common diseases in our country are:
- Dengue
- Malaria
- Chikungunya
- Japanese Encephalitis ( brain fever )
- Typhus
These diseases kill more than 700,000 people worldwide every year. These diseases are especially common in tropical and subtropical regions, such as countries like Sri Lanka.
What are the causes of this disease?
The main cause of transmission of these diseases is the bites of infected animals such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and sand flies . Since most of these animals are bloodsuckers, that is when the disease is transmitted.
Several other factors affect the spread of these diseases.
- Environment: Places where water collects (coconut shells, tires, flower pots), and tall grass are the best places for these vectors to breed.
- Population density and urbanization: When more people live together and cities are built without planning, the environment for these vectors to thrive increases.
In the table below, you can see some of the most common diseases in our country and the world, the germs that cause them, and the vectors that transmit them.
| Disease | Pathogenic germ | Vector |
|---|---|---|
| Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika | A virus | Aedes mosquito |
| Malaria | Parasite | Female Anopheles mosquito |
| Japanese Encephalitis | A virus | Culex mosquito |
| Typhus | A bacterium (Bacteria) | Lice |
| Plague | A bacterium (Bacteria) | Fleas – (from rats to humans) |
| Lyme Disease | A bacterium (Bacteria) | Ticks |
What are the symptoms of the most common diseases?
The symptoms of each of these diseases are different. The reason for this is that the germs that cause the disease are different. Let's look at the symptoms of several of the most common diseases.
Important: If you have one or more of these symptoms, please see a doctor immediately, without guessing. Prompt treatment can save lives.
| Disease | Common symptoms |
|---|---|
| Chikungunya | Sudden onset of fever, unbearable joint pain, muscle aches, headache, nausea, body aches, and skin rashes. Joint pain can last for weeks. |
| Dengue | Sudden onset of high fever (maybe 40°C), severe headache, pain under the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands and red skin rash. If you experience dangerous symptoms such as severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, or difficulty breathing, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
| Malaria | High fever, profuse sweating, headache, nausea, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. If the disease progresses, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) and coma may occur. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Adults may initially experience fever, headache, and vomiting. Neurological symptoms, including weakness and difficulty moving, may develop within a few days. Young children may have seizures. Between 20% and 30% of people with brain infection die. |
Treatment and prevention methods for these diseases
Treatment
The treatment for these diseases varies depending on the disease.
- Viral diseases: There is no medicine that directly kills the virus for diseases caused by viruses like dengue and chikungunya. Here, doctors only control the symptoms. For example, they give medicine to reduce fever and reduce pain. It is also very important to rest well and drink fluids (water, juice, porridge).
- Parasitic and bacterial diseases: For diseases caused by parasites, such as malaria, there are medications that kill or inhibit the growth of the parasite (e.g. quinone). For bacterial infections, such as typhus, antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline) are given.
The most important thing is that you should only use any of these medications under the advice of your doctor. Taking medication on your own will only make the illness worse.
Prevention
The saying "Prevention is better than cure" is 100% true for these diseases. Let's see what we can do to stay safe from these diseases.
- Keep the environment clean: This is the most important thing. Get rid of any standing water around your home. Get rid of coconut shells, old tires, yogurt cups, even water in flower pots. These are mosquito breeding grounds.
- Get vaccinated: There are vaccines available to protect against diseases like Japanese encephalitis. You can find out more about this from your local health department office.
- Cover up: Wear clothing that covers your body well when going out, especially in the morning and evening. This can reduce mosquito bites.
- Use insect repellents: Apply a mosquito repellent to exposed areas of your skin.
- Be careful when traveling: Before traveling anywhere long, check to see if these diseases are prevalent in the area. If necessary, see your doctor before traveling and seek advice.
- Protect yourself from ticks: If you are walking in a forest or grassy area, check your body for ticks. If you see a tick, do not pull it out with your hands. Use tweezers to carefully remove it and clean the area thoroughly with a disinfectant.
- Food hygiene: Always eat clean, well-cooked food.
Take-Home Message
- Vector-borne diseases are diseases that are transmitted by common animals, such as mosquitoes and ticks, but can be very dangerous.
- The best way to protect yourself from these diseases is prevention. It is essential to keep your home and surroundings clean, especially without any areas where water can accumulate.
- It is important to wear protective clothing and use mosquito repellent to protect yourself and your family from bites from insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.
- If you experience symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe headache, body and joint pain, and skin rashes, do not delay and see a qualified doctor immediately.
- Never try to self-medicate without medical advice. It could put you in even more danger.
vector-borne diseases, mosquito-borne diseases, dengue, malaria, chikungunya, disease vectors, ticks, Sinhala health, Sri Lanka
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