Dengue And Chikungunya Cases Surge In Bengaluru, Children And Pregnant Women At Risk

Surge in dengue and chikungunya cases peaks as monsoon season arrives. Protect yourself and especially children and pregnant women as they are more susceptible to mosquito-borne illness.

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As monsoon arrives, so do the common ailments of the season. While the rainy days bring respite to the sweltering heat of summer, the downside of the onset of monsoon, which is mosquito-borne illnesses, also increases.

Recently, Bengaluru data shows that dengue and chikungunya disease, which are very common illnesses across India, especially during the monsoon season, have seen a sharp increase in the city.

During the rainy season, due to humidity and stagnant of water, breeding of mosquitoes and viruses is easy, which leads to several health issues.

Who Is At Risk Of Dengue And Chikungunya Disease?

Children and pregnant women are at more risk of dengue and chikungunya disease because of their weak immune system. Pregnant women also undergo physical and hormonal changes, which make them easily susceptible to mosquito-borne disease.

Tips To Prevent Dengue And Chikungunya

Here are some basic tips to avoid mosquito-borne illness this monsoon season. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:

• Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent.
• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants while going out.
• Take steps to control the breeding of mosquitoes in and around your house.
• Treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin.
• Use a mosquito net if you will be sleeping outdoors.
• Stay in an air-conditioned room or with windows.

Signs And Symptoms Of Dengue And Chikungunya

Dengue and chikungunya are two distinct monsoon ailments, although they show similar symptoms, such as aches and pains in areas eyes, muscles, joints, or bones, nausea, vomiting and even rash.

"Chikungunya virus infection is more likely to cause high fever, severe arthralgia, arthritis, rash, and lymphopenia, while dengue virus infection is more likely to cause neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, haemorrhage, shock, and death," the CDC explains.

What To Eat During Dengue And Chikungunya Illness?

Keeping a check on your diet during these times is crucial. Check out what you can eat when you're suffering from or treating someone with dengue and chikungunya illness.

• Indulge in foods rich in Vitamin C, Iron and Vitamin K.
• High-calorie foods.
• Do not forget to take plenty of fluid, regardless of water, coconut water, herbal tea, Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) or clear broths.