World Mosquito Day
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August 16, 2021
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When Ronald Ross discovered in 1897 that mosquitos transmit malaria, he changed our understanding of the disease and raised awareness about malaria prevention. Since then, this day has been observed as World Mosquito Day, to increase public awareness of the disease. If we look at the WHO report on mosquito-borne deaths worldwide each year, we will see that it exceeds 500 million. It is one of the most dangerous vector diseases, killing one child every 30 seconds and 3000 children per day.
Let's talk about the most common diseases spread by mosquitos, how they're transmitted, and how you can protect yourself.
Malaria
Every year, over a million people, are killed by this heinous disease. Plasmodium, a protozoan carried by the female (Anopheles) mosquito, causes malaria. When a mosquito bites an infected person or animal, the organism matures in her gut and transmits the infection to another person. The protozoa infect red blood cells, causing them to burst open and unleash a torrent of illness that includes high fever, body aches, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Antimalarial medications are effective, but always consult your doctor before taking them.
Zika
You've probably heard of the Zika virus in the last few years. The Zika virus is transmitted both by mosquitos and through sexual contact. The main concern with Zika is that it has a high potential for neurological damage in healthy victims, and it can be fatal in pregnant women. The virus causes severe brain/skull deformities in unborn children, a condition known as "microcephaly." If you are pregnant and planning a trip to a Zika-affected area, you should seek medical advice before going.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya virus is one of the milder mosquito-borne infections. The virus, which is spread by infected Aedes species mosquitos, causes symptoms in the majority of people. It causes mild flu-like symptoms, as well as persistent joint pain and swelling. If you've been infected once, you're usually immune to future infections. Chikungunya is found in parts of Africa, Asia, India, the Caribbean, and extensively throughout the Americas, including most US states.
Dengue
The mosquito vectors are the same Aedes species that cause Zika and Chikungunya. This virus is extremely harmful. The mildest form of this disease is colloquially known as "break-bone fever," which pretty much sums it up. A high fever, headache, and malaise are all symptoms of severe bone and joint pain. An advanced (but thankfully rare) stage of Dengue is classified as a hemorrhagic fever, characterised by bloody vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as possible organ damage and weeks or months of recovery.
Here are some precautions to take to avoid being exposed:
· {C}{C}Apply mosquito repellent to any exposed skin and clothing.
· {C}{C}Wear long sleeves and pants if you're going to be outside at dawn or dusk.
· {C}{C}Avoid rainwater collection barrels or swampy wetlands. This is mosquito "ground-zero".
· {C}{C}Make sure to check the travel advisories for the country you will be visiting.
· {C}{C}If you're going camping or sleeping outside, use mosquito nets and make sure your tent is well-sealed.
When Ronald Ross discovered in 1897 that mosquitos transmit malaria, he changed our understanding of the disease and raised awareness about malaria prevention. Since then, this day has been observed as World Mosquito Day, to increase public awareness of the disease. If we look at the WHO report on mosquito-borne deaths worldwide each year, we will see that it exceeds 500 million. It is one of the most dangerous vector diseases, killing one child every 30 seconds and 3000 children per day.
Let's talk about the most common diseases spread by mosquitos, how they're transmitted, and how you can protect yourself.
Malaria
Every year, over a million people, are killed by this heinous disease. Plasmodium, a protozoan carried by the female (Anopheles) mosquito, causes malaria. When a mosquito bites an infected person or animal, the organism matures in her gut and transmits the infection to another person. The protozoa infect red blood cells, causing them to burst open and unleash a torrent of illness that includes high fever, body aches, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Antimalarial medications are effective, but always consult your doctor before taking them.
Zika
You've probably heard of the Zika virus in the last few years. The Zika virus is transmitted both by mosquitos and through sexual contact. The main concern with Zika is that it has a high potential for neurological damage in healthy victims, and it can be fatal in pregnant women. The virus causes severe brain/skull deformities in unborn children, a condition known as "microcephaly." If you are pregnant and planning a trip to a Zika-affected area, you should seek medical advice before going.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya virus is one of the milder mosquito-borne infections. The virus, which is spread by infected Aedes species mosquitos, causes symptoms in the majority of people. It causes mild flu-like symptoms, as well as persistent joint pain and swelling. If you've been infected once, you're usually immune to future infections. Chikungunya is found in parts of Africa, Asia, India, the Caribbean, and extensively throughout the Americas, including most US states.
Dengue
The mosquito vectors are the same Aedes species that cause Zika and Chikungunya. This virus is extremely harmful. The mildest form of this disease is colloquially known as "break-bone fever," which pretty much sums it up. A high fever, headache, and malaise are all symptoms of severe bone and joint pain. An advanced (but thankfully rare) stage of Dengue is classified as a hemorrhagic fever, characterised by bloody vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as possible organ damage and weeks or months of recovery.
Here are some precautions to take to avoid being exposed:
· Apply mosquito repellent to any exposed skin and clothing.
· Wear long sleeves and pants if you're going to be outside at dawn or dusk.
· Avoid rainwater collection barrels or swampy wetlands. This is mosquito "ground-zero".
· Make sure to check the travel advisories for the country you will be visiting.
· If you're going camping or sleeping outside, use mosquito nets and make sure your tent is well-sealed.
Also, keep in mind that, as frightening as these diseases may sound, they are relatively rare. Just take a few precautions and never let the fear of becoming ill dampen your plan. Stay alert, be healthy and safe. Also, keep in mind that, as frightening as these diseases may sound, they are relatively rare. Just take a few precautions and never let the fear of becoming ill dampen your plan. Stay alert, be healthy and safe.