WORLD HEALTH DAY

2014

WHO THEME:
VECTOR BORNE DISEASES

Health Talk on Vector-borne Diseases

Date: 07 April 2014, Primary Health Centre Handignur
April 7, 2014 marks World Health Day and the 66th anniversary of the World Health
Organization (WHO). This years theme is vector-borne diseases. Over half the world's
population is at risk from vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. Vectors like
mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas transmit parasites, viruses, or bacteria between people or between
animals and people. Each World Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) selects a
theme that highlights a global public health issue. This year's theme is vector-borne diseases,
with a first-time focus on dengue, malaria and chikungunya.
Vector-borne diseases account for 17% of the estimated global burden of all infectious diseases.
Global trade, rapid international travel, and environmental changes such as climate change and
urbanization are causing vectors and vector-borne diseases to spread beyond borders.
Small bite, Big treat.
This was the slogan for the World Health Day theme which really signifies the important of the
hazards possessed by these insect bites. Despite of how simple and small the problem seems to
be, the effects can be disastrous as it can lead to death and various morbidities.

Some of the questions raised by the villagers of Handignur during the day are:

What is the treatment available to treat the diseases?

How to effectively prevent the infections caused by mosquito bites?
How do we educate people to destroy all the breeding areas of mosquitoes?
(eg: old tires, bottles etc)

How to diagnose the infections once they developed the symptoms?

Hence, a brief health talk was given to the residents of Handignur village incorporating the
theme of this year to ensure the public have their queries on these diseases solved. With the help
of postgraduate students and senior health assistant, we have delivered health talks on vectorborne diseases mainly the ones caused by mosquitoes. These include Malaria, Dengue and
Chikungunya. The audiences were from the nurses, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and also
some public beneficiaries. The talk is greatly beneficial in order to educate the public about
vector borne disease especially about preventive measures and how to recognize the signs and
symptoms of the disease in order for them to seek early medical attention which is very crucial to
reduce morbidity of the disease and prevent fatality.
Aims of the health talk:

To educate them regarding the common diseases transmitted by mosquitoes

To educate them regarding causes, signs and symptoms, treatment and prevention of
dengue, malaria and chikungunya

CHIKUNGUNYA

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease. It is a RNA virus that belongs to the

alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae. The name chikungunya derives from a word in
the Kimakonde language, meaning "to become contorted" and describes the stooped
appearance of sufferers with joint pain (arthralgia). Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted
to humans by infected mosquitoes. The disease occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian
subcontinent. chikungunya fever has reached epidemic proportions, with considerable
morbidity and suffering. The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be
misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common.

Areas effected by Chikungunya are marked in red

Mortality and Morbidity

The East/Central/South African strain of chikungunya has been emerging in Asia since 2006,
first in the Indian subcontinent, then Thailand. India reported a massive chikungunya

epidemic in 2006. Chikungunya has reemerged in India since 1973, when the attack rate was
37.5%. However, in the 2006 epidemic, the attack rate increased to 45% in some places. More
than 1.39 million cases across 151 districts and 10 states were reported during this period.
However, unlike the epidemic in other, no deaths directly attributable to this disease were
reported. The dominant vector Ae. aegypti in India. However Ae. albopictus was also
implicated in Kerala State, India.

Signs and symptoms

Chikungunya is characterized by an abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint
pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and

rash. The joint pain is often very debilitating, but usually lasts for a few days or may be
prolonged to weeks.
Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or
even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported,
as well as gastrointestinal complaints. Serious complications are not common, but in older
people, the disease can contribute to the cause of death. Often symptoms in infected
individuals are mild and the infection may go unrecognized, or be misdiagnosed in areas
where dengue occurs.

General symptoms and signs of Chikungunya

Classical

Joint
Pain

Rash seen in patients suffering from Chikungunya disease

Transmission
The virus is transmitted from human to human by the bites of
infected female mosquitoes. Most commonly, the mosquitoes involved are Aedes
aegypti andAedes albopictus, two species which can also transmit other mosquito-borne
viruses, including dengue. These mosquitoes can be found biting throughout daylight
hours. Both species are found biting outdoors, but Ae. aegypti will also readily feed indoors.
The proximity of mosquito breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for
chikungunya. After the bite of an infected mosquito, onset of illness occurs usually between
four and eight days but can range from two to 12 days.

Treatment
There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms, including
the joint pain using anti-pyretics, optimal analgesics and fluids. There is no commercial
chikungunya vaccine.

Anti-pyretics and Analgesics

Fluids given to maintain

hydration

Prevention and control for vector borne diseases

Preventive Measures
The proximity of mosquito vector breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk
factor for dengue, malaria and chikungunya as well as for other diseases that these species
transmit. Prevention is very crucial in controlling this vector borne disease. Following are the
few measures:

Reducing the number of natural and artificial water-filled container habitats that
support breeding of the mosquitoes. Villagers are advised to avoid stagnant water
filling and are advised to always cover containers filled with water.

During outbreaks, insecticides may be sprayed to kill flying mosquitoes, applied to

surfaces in and around containers where the mosquitoes land.

For protection during outbreaks, clothing which minimizes skin exposure to the daybiting vectors is advised to the villagers. Wearing long sleeves and pants minimizes
the exposure of clothing to a good extent.

Repellents can be applied to exposed skin or to clothing in strict accordance with

product label instructions. Repellents should contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-3methylbenzamide), IR3535 (3-[N-acetyl-N-butyl]-aminopropionic acid ethyl ester) or
icaridin (1-piperidinecarboxylic acid, 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropylester).

For those who sleep during the daytime, particularly young children, or sick or older
people, insecticide treated mosquito nets gives a good protection.

Mosquito coils or other insecticide vaporizers may also reduce indoor biting.

Basic precautions should be taken by people traveling to risk areas and these include
use of repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants and ensuring rooms are fitted with
screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering.

Vector Control Measures

1. PERSONAL PROPHALATIC MEASURES

Use of mosquito repellent creams, liquids, coils, mats etc.

Wearing of full sleeve shirts and full pants with socks

Use of bednets for sleeping infants and young children during day time to prevent
mosquito bite

2. BIOLOGICAL CONTROL

Use of larvivorous fishes in ornamental tanks, fountains; in some urban areas larvivorous
fish like Gambusia and Guppy are also used in certain situations where the chemical
control is not feasible. Biological larvicide, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis either
wettable powder or aqueous suspension are also used for control of aquatic stages of
vector mosquitoes.

Use of biocides
Gambusia affinis

Poecilia reticulata (GUPPY)

3. CHEMICAL CONTROL

Use of Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) with insecticides

Use of chemical larvicides like Abate in potable water

Aerosol space spray during day time

Malathion fogging during outbreaks

Temephoe

4. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & SOURCE

REDUCTION METHODS

Detection & elimination of mosquito breeding sources

Management of roof tops, porticos and sunshades

Proper covering of stored water

Reliable water supply

Observation of weekly dry day

5. HEALTH EDUCATION
Impart knowledge to common people
regarding the disease and vector through various media sources like T.v., Radio, Cinema
slides, etc.
6. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Sensitizing and involving the community for detection of Anopheles breeding places and
their elimination

NGO schemes involving them in programme strategies

Collaboration with CII/ASSOCHAM/FICCI

Photos taken during the health talk: