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.
The Real Danger: More Than Just an Itchy Bite
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.
Smart Habits to Stay Safe
Eliminate Stagnant Water
Empty flower pots, coolers, and buckets regularly.
Cover water storage containers tightly.
Ensure drains are unclogged to avoid puddles.
Use Mosquito Repellents Effectively
Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon-eucalyptus oil.
For children, go for mild repellents approved for kids.
Dress Right
Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothes. Dark colors attract mosquitoes.
Opt for cotton fabrics that are comfortable in humid weather.
Install Physical Barriers
Use mosquito nets while sleeping.
Fit windows and doors with mesh screens.
Natural Remedies
Burn neem leaves or camphor in the evening.
Grow mosquito-repellent plants like citronella, basil, and lemongrass in balconies or gardens.
Protecting Your Home and Neighborhood
Mosquitoes don’t respect boundaries — if your surroundings aren’t safe, neither are you. Encourage your community to:
- Conduct weekly cleaning drives.
- Sprinkle larvicidal oil in stagnant water bodies.
- Report mosquito breeding sites to local municipal authorities.
Nutrition as a Shield
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.
Travel Precautions in Monsoon
Planning a road trip or a hometown visit in August? Stay prepared:
- Carry portable repellents or mosquito patches.
- Avoid roadside food and drink only safe water to prevent co-infections.
- Book accommodations that have mosquito control measures.
Why Prevention Is Cheaper Than Cure
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.
Busting Myths About Mosquitoes
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.
