Persistent fever should not be dismissed as a routine viral infection; mosquito prevention needs to continue even after the rains, physicians say
Hyderabad, August 19, 2026: As monsoon rains raise the risk of dengue, malaria and chikungunya, doctors are warning people not to dismiss persistent fever as a routine viral infection and to remain alert to symptoms that could indicate a mosquito-borne disease.
Ahead of World Mosquito Day, observed on August 20, physicians at CARE Hospitals said the concern goes beyond the immediate rise in mosquito breeding during the rainy season. Warm temperatures, humidity and stagnant water can allow mosquitoes to continue breeding even after the rains subside, making sustained prevention important.
In cities such as Hyderabad, mosquito breeding is not restricted to visibly waterlogged areas. Coolers, flowerpot trays, buckets, discarded containers, tyres, construction sites, terraces and uncovered water tanks can all become potential breeding sites.
Fever may initially look like a viral infection
Dr. Syed Mustafa Ashraf, Senior General Physician, CARE Hospitals, Malakpet, said physicians see an increase in patients presenting with fever, headache, severe body aches, weakness, nausea and vomiting during the monsoon.
“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,” he said.
Dr. Ashraf said doctors assess more than a patient’s temperature when determining the seriousness of an illness. Repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, increasing weakness, drowsiness, breathing difficulty or reduced urine output are among the warning signs that require attention.
He also cautioned that in dengue, a fall in temperature does not necessarily mean that the patient has completely recovered. Timely clinical assessment, appropriate investigations, hydration and monitoring can help identify patients who may be developing complications.
Risk can continue after the rains
Dr. Chaitanya Challa, Senior Consultant – General Medicine, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, said mosquito-borne illnesses have traditionally been associated with the monsoon and immediate post-monsoon period, but the risk should not be assumed to disappear once rainfall stops.
“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,” Dr. Challa said.
He noted that urban mosquitoes do not necessarily require large areas of waterlogging to reproduce. Even small quantities of water left in coolers, flowerpot trays, buckets, discarded containers, tyres or uncovered tanks can provide breeding sites.
“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,” he added.
What people can do
Doctors recommend checking homes and surroundings at least once every week and removing stagnant water from coolers, flowerpot trays, buckets, tyres and other containers. Water-storage tanks should be properly covered and discarded objects capable of collecting rainwater should be removed.
Mosquito repellents, window and door screens and clothing that reduces exposure to mosquito bites can provide additional protection. The Aedes mosquito, which can transmit dengue, is active during the daytime, making daytime precautions important as well.
Doctors also advised against indiscriminate self-medication for fever. Persistent fever, worsening weakness, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, drowsiness or breathing difficulty should prompt medical evaluation.
Observed annually on August 20, World Mosquito Day draws attention to mosquito-borne diseases and their prevention. This year’s message from physicians is particularly relevant during the ongoing monsoon: stay alert during the rains, recognise warning signs early, and don’t stop mosquito-control measures when the rains end.