August awareness: keep mosquitoes away, health at bay!
August in India is monsoon at its peak, creating perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Stagnant water in puddles, clogged drains, and water storage containers become nurseries for mosquito larvae. Diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and Japanese Encephalitis often see a spike this month, making prevention the first line of defense.
Mosquitoes may seem tiny, but their impact is massive. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito-borne diseases kill over 7 lakh people globally each year. In India, urban areas struggle with dengue outbreaks while rural regions see malaria spikes during monsoons. The cost of treatment, lost productivity, and strain on healthcare makes prevention not just a personal priority but a public responsibility.
Empty flower pots, coolers, and buckets regularly.
Cover water storage containers tightly.
Ensure drains are unclogged to avoid puddles.
Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon-eucalyptus oil.
For children, go for mild repellents approved for kids.
Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothes. Dark colors attract mosquitoes.
Opt for cotton fabrics that are comfortable in humid weather.
Use mosquito nets while sleeping.
Fit windows and doors with mesh screens.
Burn neem leaves or camphor in the evening.
Grow mosquito-repellent plants like citronella, basil, and lemongrass in balconies or gardens.
Mosquitoes don’t respect boundaries — if your surroundings aren’t safe, neither are you. Encourage your community to:
While prevention focuses on avoiding bites, building strong immunity is equally important.
Include Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, amla, and lemon to fight infections.
Add protein-rich foods like pulses, eggs, and nuts to recover faster if infected.
Drink boiled or filtered water to prevent secondary infections.
Planning a road trip or a hometown visit in August? Stay prepared:
Treating dengue or malaria often involves expensive hospital bills, days off work, and emotional stress. A simple Rs. 100 mosquito repellent or net can save thousands in medical costs. Prevention is not just health-smart, it’s money-smart.
Myth: Mosquitoes only bite at night.
Truth: Dengue-causing Aedes aegypti is an aggressive daytime biter.
Myth: Mosquitoes breed only in dirty water.
Truth: They thrive in clean, stagnant water too, like your cooler or flower vase.
Myth: Fans keep mosquitoes away.
Truth: While fans reduce bites, they don’t prevent breeding or eliminate risks.
August doesn’t have to mean falling sick. With a mix of personal protection, community awareness, and healthy habits, you can enjoy the monsoon safely. Remember: prevention is always easier — and cheaper — than cure.
Follow these prevention tips for the monsoon and shield yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses.
