Tripura: During this monsoon, malaria is a menace in the state

Subarna Debbarma
Tripura: Malaria is one of the major health problems in the state. Like every year, this year also, malaria cases are being seen. Two malaria cases were diagnosed in Dhalai district yesterday. Malaria hotspot Dhalai district recorded 2,687 malaria cases in 2023. The state has a tropical climate with moderate rainfall and hot, humid conditions. From April to October is favorable for female Anopheles mosquito breeding.

Mosquito breeding during the rainy season is facilitated by the availability of stagnant water, which serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The abundance of stagnant water provides ample opportunities for mosquitoes to breed rapidly.

Malaria in Tripura
Anopheles mosquito

What are the common mosquito-borne diseases?


1. Malaria: A serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

2. Dengue fever: A viral illness caused by the dengue virus, primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash.

3. Zika virus disease: A viral illness caused by the Zika virus, primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

4. Elephantiasis: Also known as lymphatic filariasis, it is a parasitic disease caused by the filarial worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily the Culex, Anopheles, and Aedes species.

How to protect yourself from malaria and mosquito-borne diseases?


1. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed shoes.
2. Apply insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) to exposed skin and clothing.
3. Use mosquito nets treated with insecticides while sleeping.