Mpox, malaria, dengue, swine flu: Causes, symptoms and treatment tips for these serious diseases

Symptoms of malaria: Malaria symptoms include high fever, severe chills, sweating, headaches, and muscle pain

Are you prepared to face the rising threat of serious diseases like mpox, malaria, dengue, and swine flu? Symptoms like high fevers, relentless fatigue, or a troubling rash, are the harsh realities of these illnesses. Recent data show an increase in cases, thus stressing on the importance of staying informed and taking preventive steps

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) serious diseases such as mpox, malaria, dengue fever, and swine flu are becoming a public concern. The resurgence of these illnesses can be attributed to various factors including climate change, increased international travel, and urbanisation, which can facilitate the spread of infectious agents.

Staying informed about these diseases and implementing preventive measures is vital for safeguarding your health. Here’s what you should know:

Mpox:

• Cause: Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by the mpox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It is transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals, such as rodents or primates. The virus can also spread through respiratory droplets.
• Symptoms: Initial symptoms often resemble flu-like signs, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. A characteristic rash typically appears within a few days, starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

• Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water is essential. Avoid direct contact with infected individuals or animals and their excretions.
• Vaccination: The smallpox vaccine can provide partial protection against mpox, as both viruses are closely related.
• Avoid contact: Stay away from regions experiencing outbreaks and avoid handling animals that could be infected.

• Cause: Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, primarily Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae. These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• Symptoms: Malaria symptoms include high fever, severe chills, sweating, headaches, and muscle pain. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as anemia, seizures, and organ failure, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

• Mosquito nets: Use insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent mosquito bites, especially during the night.
• Repellents: Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) on exposed skin to deter mosquitoes.
• Antimalarial drugs: In areas where malaria is prevalent, take prescribed antimalarial medications as a preventive measure.

• Cause: Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The virus can be spread through mosquito bites and occasionally through blood transfusions.
• Symptoms: Dengue fever presents with high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding (such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding). In severe cases, it can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which are serious and potentially fatal.

• Mosquito control: Remove standing water in containers, such as buckets and flower pots, to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
• Repellents: Use insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and wear long sleeves and pants to minimise mosquito bites.
• Screening: Install window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering living spaces.

• Cause: Swine flu, also known as H1N1 influenza, is caused by the H1N1 influenza virus. It spreads primarily through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, and can also be transmitted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.
• Symptoms: Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and, in some cases, diarrhea and vomiting. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory complications.

• Vaccination: Get the annual flu vaccine, which includes protection against the H1N1 virus. This vaccine is updated yearly to address circulating strains.
• Hygiene: Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water. Avoid touching your face and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid sick people: Limit close contact with individuals who exhibit flu-like symptoms and stay home if you are ill to prevent spreading the virus.