Mosquito Threat Doesn’t End With the Monsoon, Warn Doctors
Doctors urge continued prevention and caution against dismissing persistent fever as a routine viral infection
Team L&M
As India observes World Mosquito Day on August 20, doctors are urging people to remain vigilant against mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya—not only during the monsoon, but also in the weeks and months that follow.
The monsoon brings increased humidity, rainfall and stagnant water, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. However, doctors caution that mosquito breeding can continue beyond the rainy season, particularly in urban areas where even small amounts of stagnant water can provide suitable breeding sites.
According to the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), India reported 2,33,519 dengue cases and 297 deaths in 2024. Telangana alone recorded 10,077 cases during the year. The figures highlight the continuing public-health burden of dengue and the importance of sustained prevention.
Persistent Fever Should Not Be Ignored
During the monsoon, fever is often assumed to be a routine viral infection. However, the early symptoms of dengue, malaria and chikungunya can be difficult to distinguish from other viral illnesses.
Dr. Syed Mustafa Ashraf, Senior General Physician, CARE Hospitals, Malakpet, says patients commonly present with fever, headache, severe body aches, weakness, nausea and vomiting during the monsoon.
“The challenge is that dengue, malaria and chikungunya can initially look very similar to a routine viral fever. Many patients wait for two or three days expecting the fever to settle or start taking medicines on their own. If the fever is persistent, symptoms are worsening or the patient is becoming unusually weak, it is better to get evaluated rather than continue waiting,” he says.
Doctors emphasise that the severity of illness cannot be judged by temperature alone. A patient’s overall clinical condition, symptoms and progression of the illness also need to be assessed.
Repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, increasing weakness, drowsiness, breathing difficulty or reduced urine output are warning signs that require prompt medical attention.
In dengue, doctors also caution that a fall in fever does not necessarily mean that the patient has recovered completely. Timely medical assessment, appropriate investigations, adequate hydration and monitoring can help identify patients who may be developing complications.
Mosquito Prevention Must Continue Beyond the Rains
While mosquito-borne diseases are strongly associated with the monsoon and post-monsoon period, the risk does not necessarily disappear when rainfall decreases.
Dr. Chaitanya Challa, Senior Consultant – General Medicine, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, says mosquito control needs to become a year-round habit.
“We have traditionally associated dengue, malaria and chikungunya with the monsoon and immediate post-monsoon months. The rains certainly create favourable conditions for mosquito breeding, but we should not assume that the risk disappears once the rains stop,” he says.
In urban environments, mosquitoes do not require large areas of waterlogging to breed. Water accumulated in coolers, flowerpot trays, buckets, discarded containers, tyres and uncovered tanks can become breeding sites.
Construction sites, terraces and other areas where water can collect can also contribute to local mosquito breeding.
“Mosquito-borne illnesses can occur outside the traditional seasonal window as well, particularly when warm temperatures, humidity and local breeding conditions continue,” Dr. Challa adds.
Small Prevention Measures Can Make a Difference
Doctors recommend checking homes and surrounding areas at least once a week for stagnant water. Water should be emptied from coolers, flowerpot trays, buckets, tyres and other containers that can serve as breeding sites.
Water-storage tanks should be properly covered, while discarded items capable of collecting rainwater should be removed or stored in a way that prevents water accumulation.
People can also reduce exposure to mosquito bites by using appropriate mosquito repellents, installing window and door screens and wearing protective clothing where appropriate.
An important point is that the Aedes mosquito, which transmits dengue, is primarily active during the daytime. Therefore, mosquito-bite prevention should not be limited to nighttime.
Avoid Indiscriminate Self-Medication
Doctors also advise against treating persistent fever casually or relying on self-medication without medical guidance.
Anyone experiencing persistent fever, worsening weakness, repeated vomiting should seek medical attention promptly. Other symptoms are abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, drowsiness, breathing difficulty and reduced urine output.
The message for World Mosquito Day is therefore straightforward: mosquito prevention should not be seasonal. Eliminating breeding sites, protecting against mosquito bites and recognising warning signs early help reduce the impact of mosquito-borne diseases.
Urban environments continue to provide opportunities for mosquito breeding. So, making mosquito control part of routine household hygiene should be an important step towards protecting public health.
