Monsoon is right around the corner, which means, mosquito borne diseases like Malaria are about to be unleashed on us. But have you ever wondered why Malaria is particularly prevalent during the rainy season?
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, said the World Health Organisation, and it remains a significant public health concern in India, particularly during the monsoon season. Several factors contribute to the increase in malaria cases during this time:
Favourable Breeding Conditions
Monsoon brings heavy rainfall and increased humidity, creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, especially the Anopheles mosquitoes responsible for transmitting malaria. Stagnant water pools become common, providing ample breeding sites for mosquitoes to multiply rapidly, said the Centres For Disease Control and Prevention.
Increased Mosquito Population
With the availability of more breeding sites and favorable environmental conditions, the mosquito population tends to surge during the monsoon. This leads to a higher density of mosquitoes in residential areas, increasing the risk of malaria transmission.
Waterlogging and Poor Drainage
Monsoon rains often result in waterlogging in many areas, particularly in urban areas with inadequate drainage systems. Waterlogged areas become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, posing a significant risk to nearby populations.
Human Behaviour
During the monsoon, people tend to spend more time indoors or in sheltered areas to avoid heavy rainfall. However, this can lead to increased indoor mosquito exposure, especially if homes are not adequately protected with screens or mosquito nets.
Migration of Mosquitoes
Some mosquito species, including those that transmit malaria, may migrate to new areas during the monsoon in search of suitable breeding sites. This movement can contribute to the spread of malaria to previously unaffected regions.
Reduced Access to Healthcare
In remote or rural areas, monsoon rains can disrupt transportation and access to healthcare facilities. This can delay diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases, leading to a higher burden of the disease in these communities.
Agricultural Activities
Monsoon is a crucial time for agricultural activities such as rice cultivation, which often involves the use of water-filled fields. These agricultural practices can create additional mosquito breeding sites, contributing to the transmission of malaria in rural areas.
Challenges in Vector Control
Controlling mosquito populations during the monsoon can be challenging due to the rapid breeding cycles and the vast areas that need to be covered. Moreover, we do not have a vaccine for Malaria yet. Inadequate vector control measures can lead to persistent mosquito-borne disease transmission.
Also Read: WHO Approves 2nd Malaria Vaccine: Here's Everything You Need To Know About It
Addressing Malaria Spike During Monsoon
To address the increase in malaria cases during the monsoon in India, comprehensive strategies are needed, including:
Vector Control Programmes
IImplementing effective mosquito control measures, such as larval source management, insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and community-based vector control initiatives.
Public Awareness and Education
Educating communities about malaria prevention measures, including the use of bed nets, wearing protective clothing, eliminating standing water around homes, and seeking prompt medical care for symptoms.
Improved Healthcare Access
Ensuring that healthcare facilities, especially in rural and remote areas, are equipped to diagnose and treat malaria cases promptly, including access to antimalarial medications and diagnostic tools.
Environmental Management
Implementing sustainable environmental management practices to reduce mosquito breeding sites, such as proper drainage systems, water resource management, and urban planning strategies.
Also Read: World Malaria Day 2023: Understanding The Risk Of Reinfection And Ways To Prevent Malaria
By addressing these factors comprehensively and implementing targeted interventions, it is possible to mitigate the impact of malaria during the monsoon season and reduce the burden of this preventable disease on communities across India.