Dr. Basavaraj S Kumbar, Consultant- Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru

Tropical diseases primarily affect people living in or visiting tropical and subtropical regions. Such disorders are major public health issues because they are usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and are predominantly prevalent in warm and humid climates. These diseases are widespread where there is a lack of access to healthcare facilities, sanitation, and pest control measures due to the conducive environment of spread. The likelihood of catching these diseases, however, can significantly be reduced if proper knowledge and precautions are observed.

Below is a comprehensive overview of seven major tropical diseases and effective strategies to prevent them.

1.       Dengue – Dengue fever is another tropical illness that is spread by mosquitoes. High fever, excruciating headaches, joint pain and rashes are some of the basic symptoms with dengue haemorrhagic fever noticed in severe cases. Therefore, it is important to use repellents and wear long sleeves, especially in areas with a high prevalence rate. Additionally, as stagnant water encourages mosquito reproduction, proper maintenance of tires, flowerpots and other such containers is advised. Regional mosquito control initiatives in the community can also aid in reducing dengue spread.

2.       Zika Virus – Zika virus is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which is more dangerous as it can lead to severe birth defects such as microcephaly (the baby’s head is smaller than expected for their age) when contracted during pregnancy. The symptoms are usually mild, including fever, rash and conjunctivitis. In order to prevent this disease, one should use repellents, wear protective clothing and avoid mosquito bites, especially pregnant women. People in Zika-prone areas should consult doctors first regarding pregnancy planning. Also it is important to keep the surroundings clean and dry to prevent mosquito breeding as an additional preventive measure.

3.       Malaria – Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted through infected female mosquitoes. Its symptoms include fever, chills, sweating, headaches, and nausea that can escalate into severe complications if left untreated. To prevent malaria, individuals should use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin, sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and eliminate stagnant water around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding. For people travelling to high-risk areas, consulting a doctor for antimalarial medication is crucial.

4.       Chikungunya – Chikungunya is another viral disease spread by Aedes mosquitoes, causing fever, joint pain, muscle pain, and headaches. While it is rarely fatal, joint pain can persist for months or even years in some individuals. To prevent chikungunya, people should protect themselves against mosquito bites by using repellents, sleeping under nets, and wearing protective clothing. Community-wide mosquito control programs can further enhance prevention efforts.

5.       Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis, is caused by Leishmania parasites and transmitted through the bites of infected sandflies. It is noticed on the skin in the form of skin ulcers or visceral forms affecting internal organs. Prevention strategies include using insecticide-treated bed nets, wearing protective clothing to cover exposed skin and applying insect repellents to both the skin and clothing. These measures are particularly important during sandfly activity hours, which are typically in the evening and early morning.

6.       Yellow fever – Yellow fever is also a viral hemorrhagic disease spread by infected mosquitoes. It can range from mild symptoms like fever to severe complications such as jaundice, bleeding and organ failure. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure, with a single dose providing lifelong protection. In addition, individuals should use repellents, sleep under bed nets and wear protective clothing to minimize mosquito bites. Staying informed about outbreaks and avoiding travel to high-risk areas without proper precautions is also essential.

7.       Schistosomiasis – Contact with infected water bodies can result in schistosomiasis, which is brought on by parasitic flatworms known as schistosomes. Abdominal pain, diarrhoea and blood in the stool or urine are among the common symptoms with organ damage being one of the dangerous and possible long-term consequences. Avoiding swimming or bathing in freshwater lakes and rivers in endemic areas is one preventive measure along with making sure that the drinking water is safe by boiling or filtering it.

With knowledge and proactive steps, these easily communicable tropical diseases can be successfully avoided. People can greatly lower the risk of illness by limiting their exposure to insects like mosquitoes and sandflies, practicing good hygiene and taking the recommended treatments and immunizations. To protect one’s health and well-being, seeking individualized guidance from healthcare professionals is crucial, whether one is living in or traveling to tropical areas. The burden of tropical diseases can be reduced with individual and community actions, improving health outcomes for millions of people worldwide.

  Dr. Basavaraj S Kumbar, Tropical Diseases