INDIA – Seasonal Diseases in Rajasthan: Alarming Rise and Necessary Preventive Measures

Rajasthan, known for its vastness and scenic beauty, has recently been struck by a concerning surge in seasonal diseases. After the rains, a series of illnesses, including dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and typhoid, have begun spreading throughout the state, causing discomfort and, unfortunately, loss of lives.

Particularly, dengue has proven to be particularly lethal, with five deaths recorded in just the last month and a half.

This situation highlights the need for greater awareness and preventive measures to safeguard public health. In this article, we will examine the current state of seasonal diseases in Rajasthan and provide valuable information on how people can protect themselves.

The Disturbing Rise of Dengue

Dengue, a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has become a serious threat to public health in Rajasthan. From the collected data, we can clearly see the exponential increase in dengue cases in recent months:

• January 2023: 212 cases
• February 2023: 135 cases
• March 2023: 77 cases
• April 2023: 82 cases
• May 2023: 68 cases
• June 2023: 84 cases
• July 2023: 325 cases
• August 2023: 1864 cases

The situation has become alarming, with a total of five deaths attributed to dengue in the last month and a half. This disease presents with symptoms such as sudden fever, severe headaches, eye pain, muscle and joint pain, loss of taste, and loss of appetite.

Prevention of dengue requires a range of measures, including avoiding crowded places and seeking immediate medical attention if experiencing suspicious symptoms.

Furthermore, it is essential to prevent mosquito breeding by eliminating stagnant water and covering one’s body to protect against mosquito bites.

More on Health: Swine Flu and Typhoid

Apart from dengue, Rajasthan has seen an increase in cases of swine flu and typhoid. Fortunately, there have been no deaths reported due to swine flu, but 45 new cases have been reported. Symptoms include cough, cold, fever, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and blood in the sputum. To prevent swine flu, it is advisable to avoid crowded places and consult a doctor immediately if symptoms occur.

Typhoid, on the other hand, has resulted in four deaths and recorded 1105 new cases. Symptoms of scrub typhoid include sudden fever after a cold, headache, rash on the body, burning sensation in the eyes, muscle pain, and dry cough. This disease spreads through the bite of mites or fleas, so it is important to wear long-sleeved clothing while working in fields, apply insect repellent to the skin, and prevent rats from entering or leaving the house.

Malaria with No Deaths but Increased Cases

Despite no deaths being reported due to malaria, Rajasthan has seen an increase of 1264 new cases. Malaria presents with symptoms such as fever, sweating, muscle aches, and vomiting. Prevention involves avoiding stagnant water around homes and consulting a doctor at the first sign of a fever.

Actions by Health Authorities

Additional Director Dr. Ravi Prakash Sharma visited the city of Kota and found negligence in dengue prevention in hostels, allowing mosquitoes to thrive. In response, ACS Shubhra Singh instructed Kota inspectors to examine hostels and address the mosquito problem immediately.

Conclusions

The epidemic of seasonal diseases in Rajasthan is a cause for serious concern. While the health department promotes “Our Health, Our Responsibility,” it is essential for the public to also follow guidelines for disease prevention. Protection from dengue, swine flu, typhoid, and malaria requires a collective commitment to prevention and the dissemination of accurate information. Only through joint efforts can we hope to bring the situation under control and protect public health in Rajasthan.