GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered: Issues related to health.
Context:
Rajasthan has reported 467 cases of dengue from January 1 to April 12 even before the arrival of the monsoon.
- In 2018, dengue was declared a perennial infection in the state.
- It is also a notifiable disease.
- Doctors and diagnostic centers have to report each dengue case to the health department.
What’s the concern?
It is a concern for the health department that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are transmitting dengue even in winters and before the rains have started. However, the situation is not alarming.
What is the major reason for the outbreak of dengue in the state?
- Inadequate source reduction of mosquito breeding sites and adult control measures.
- Measures to control in that area are ignored.
- Unprecedented human population growth.
- Unplanned and rapid urbanisation.
- Inadequate waste management.
- Increased distribution and densities of vector mosquitoes due to man-made, ecological and lifestyle changes.
About Dengue:
- Dengue virus is transmitted through the bite of a female Aedes (Ae.) mosquito.
- Aedes is a day time feeder and can fly up to a limited distance of 400 meters.
- Although it usually results in mild illness, severe dengue infections can sometimes prove fatal.
- World Health Organization (WHO) estimates suggest an annual incidence of 100-400 million dengue infections every year, with its global incidence growing dramatically “in recent decades”.
Insta Curious:
Did you know that dengue mosquitoes can’t breed once the temperature falls below 16 degrees?
Have you heard about the “Wolbachia method”, which could be used to significantly reduce the incidence of dengue fever? Reference: read this.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Dengue- causes, symptoms and spread.
- The “Wolbachia method” is related to?
- Where was this method tested recently?
- About the World Mosquito Program (WMP).
Mains Link:
Write a note on the “Wolbachia method”, which was in news recently.
Sources: Indian Express.
