Mosquito Threat Doesn’t End With the Monsoon, Warn CARE Doctors.

Hyderabad, Telangana, 19th of August, 2026 : With the monsoon in full swing, fever cases are once again bringing dengue, malaria and chikungunya into focus. Doctors at CARE Hospitals say the immediate concern is not only the seasonal increase in mosquito-borne infections, but also the tendency among people to dismiss early symptoms as a routine viral fever and delay seeking medical advice.

The rains, high humidity and accumulation of stagnant water create favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. In cities such as Hyderabad, breeding is not limited to large areas of waterlogging. Water collected in coolers, flowerpot trays, buckets, discarded containers, tyres, construction sites, terraces and uncovered tanks can also become breeding grounds.

India continues to face a significant dengue burden. According to the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), the country reported 2,33,519 dengue cases and 297 deaths in 2024. Telangana alone reported 10,077 cases during the year. The numbers underline the need for continued vigilance, particularly during the monsoon and post-monsoon period.

Speaking about the current monsoon scenario, Dr. Syed Mustafa Ashraf, Senior General Physician, CARE Hospitals, Malakpet, said, “During the monsoon, we see a noticeable increase in patients coming with fever, headache, severe body pains, weakness, nausea and vomiting. The challenge is that dengue, malaria and chikungunya can initially look very similar to a routine viral fever. Many patients wait for two or three days expecting the fever to settle or start taking medicines on their own. If the fever is persistent, symptoms are worsening or the patient is becoming unusually weak, it is better to get evaluated rather than continue waiting.

“What we look at as physicians is not just the temperature, but the overall clinical condition of the patient. Repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, increasing weakness, drowsiness, breathing difficulty or reduced urine output are warning signs that should not be ignored. In dengue particularly, the fever coming down does not always mean the patient has completely recovered. Timely clinical assessment, appropriate investigations, adequate hydration and monitoring are important to identify patients who may be developing complications.”

Highlighting why prevention should continue beyond the rainy season, Dr. Chaitanya Challa, Senior Consultant – General Medicine, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, said, “We have traditionally associated dengue, malaria and chikungunya with the monsoon and immediate post-monsoon months. The rains certainly create favourable conditions for mosquito breeding, but we should not assume that the risk disappears once the rains stop. Mosquito-borne illnesses can occur outside the traditional seasonal window as well, particularly when warm temperatures, humidity and local breeding conditions continue.

“In an urban environment, mosquitoes do not need large areas of waterlogging to breed. Water left in a cooler, flowerpot tray, bucket, discarded container, tyre or an uncovered tank can be enough. That is why mosquito control should not end with the monsoon. Families need to make it a routine habit to check their homes and surroundings for stagnant water, keep water-storage containers covered and take precautions against mosquito bites. The larger message this World Mosquito Day is that prevention has to be continuous, not seasonal.”

Doctors recommend checking homes and surroundings at least once a week and emptying water from coolers, flowerpot trays, buckets, tyres and other containers. Water-storage tanks should remain properly covered, while discarded items that can collect rainwater should be removed.

People should also use appropriate mosquito repellents, window and door screens and protective clothing. Since the Aedes mosquito that transmits dengue is active mainly during the daytime, precautions against mosquito bites are important during the day as well.

Doctors also cautioned against indiscriminate self-medication for fever. Persistent fever, worsening weakness, repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, drowsiness or breathing difficulty warrant prompt medical attention.

Observed every year on August 20, World Mosquito Day serves as a reminder of the continuing health burden caused by mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit. CARE Hospitals doctors emphasised a clear message this year: remain particularly vigilant during the monsoon, recognise warning signs early, and do not allow mosquito prevention to end with the rains.