Vector-borne diseases constitute over 17% of all infectious diseases and largely affect people in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. India with its rising temperatures and longer transmission seasons, is a hub of vector-borne diseases. There is thus a need to raise awareness on prevention and treatment options. Vectors are the organisms that can transmit infectious pathogens from an infected individual to another or from animals to humans. Some of the common vector-borne diseases in India include dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and scrub typhus, which pose a high public health burden.

Raising awareness, Dr Arulrhaj, Founder, Chairman and Head, Acute Medicine, Sundaram Arulrhaj Hospitals, said, “Precaution is the key to protecting oneself from vector borne diseases. However, if you still develop any of these diseases, do not panic and do not self-medicate. Consult a physician as early as possible. Do not be quick to label every fever as COVID-19 and start rushing for tests. The symptoms of all these diseases can overlap and they are treatable. Treatment of dengue and chikungunya involves the use of paracetamol to relieve fever and pain. Scrub typhus is treated with antibiotics, while malaria requires treatment with antimalarials.

“Fortunately, some antibiotics like doxycycline are known to have a potential role in the treatment of vector-borne diseases. This is a broad-spectrum, time-tested antibiotic, which also has antiviral, anti-typhus, anti-parasitic, and anti-inflammatory properties”, he added.