India is a country of vast population where different things are found quite commonly. Diseases are one of them and have been traditionally a major problem in India as compared with the rest of the world.Here we discuss the top 10 dangerous diseases in India.
1. Diarrheal Diseases: Diarrhea is a frequent and leading cause of illness and death in India. It is estimated that over 5 million diarrhea-related illness and over half a million deaths occur every year due to diarrheal diseases in India, principally among children under the age of 5 years. This is due to various factors like contaminated food, poor hygiene and sanitation, lack of safe drinking water and lack of access to basic health services.
2. Dengue: Dengue is a painful, debilitating, and sometimes fatal viral infection which is primarily spread through mosquitoes. Although the disease is on the rise in India and other parts of the world, it is particularly prevalent in India, where the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries the virus, is in abundance. Dengue typically causes high fever, body aches, and heavy bleeding. Prevention of Dengue is the only way to stop its spread and hence, the authorities in India have been taking measures to control the Aedes aegypti mosquito to a great extent.
3. Malaria: Malaria is one of the most dangerous diseases that is prevalent in India. It is caused by a parasite known as Plasmodium which is transmitted through the bites of certain types of mosquitoes. The most common symptoms of Malaria are fever, headache, vomiting, and shivering. Treatment options include effective medicines which in most cases must be taken for a minimum of seven to ten days.
4. Chikungunya: Chikungunya is also transmitted through the bites of certain types of mosquitoes, although it is less prevalent than malaria. The symptoms include severe joint pain, rashes on the skin and fever. As the disease spreads, it may cause more severe complications, including inflammation of the brain. Prevention of Chikungunya is essential and is the only way to avoid the spread of this disease.
5. Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis (TB) is another dangerous disease that is commonly found in India. This infectious airborne disease is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and affects the lungs leading to severe pulmonary problems. Symptoms include persistent cough, fever, weight loss and chest pain. The treatment options for Tuberculosis include long-term antibiotics and preventive measures such as improved nutrition, lifestyle and medication.
6. HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS is another deadly disease in India related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This virus destroys the body's immune system which results in physical weakness and severe infections. HIV/AIDS is spread mostly through unprotected sexual contact, or blood transfusion (blood transfusion is strictly banned in India since 2008). Treatment options include antiretroviral drugs which must be taken regularly along with psychosocial care.
7. Hepatitis: Viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, is one of the leading infectious disease in India. These viruses affect the liver and can be transmitted through contact with infected individuals or through contaminated equipment or blood transfusion. Symptoms include jaundice, fever, fatigue and dark urine. Treatment includes antiviral drugs and supportive care.
8. Japanese Encephalitis: Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral disease which results in swelling of the brain. It is more prevalent in Northern states of India such as Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Symptoms include fever, headache and vomiting. Treatment includes intensive supportive care and intravenous fluid replacement.
9. Stroke: Stroke is a medical emergency caused due to reduced or blocked blood supply to the different parts of the brain. It may occur due to a number of reasons including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and cholesterol levels. Symptoms include facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and confusion. Treatment options include medications to dissolve the blood clot, surgery, or lifestyle changes.
10. Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which is also known as Weil's disease. It is mainly caused due to water or food that is contaminated with the urine of animals infected with the Leptospira species of bacteria. Symptoms include high fever, muscle pain, jaundice, and abdominal cramps. Treatment involves antibiotics and supportive care. Therefore, these are the most dangerous diseases found in India.
To fight these infectious diseases, the Government of India is taking extensive initiatives like clean India campaign and vaccination drives as well as providing access to proper healthcare services. Even though Indian healthcare facilities are rapidly improving, the country needs to work together to fight this menace and strive for a healthier tomorrow.
