Mosquito Bites are more than just an Itchy Nuisance

Ah, the familiar buzz of mosquitoes on a warm summer evening – a triggering sound we've all come to recognise and despise.

Aggressive itchiness aside, these tiny annoying insects can actually pose serious health risks as well.

In this blog, I’ll run through mosquito-borne illnesses, and learn simple ways to protect ourselves.

Common Mosquito-Borne Illnesses:

1. Malaria:

   • Caused by the Plasmodium parasite, malaria is a widespread and potentially life-threatening disease. It affects millions of people worldwide, with symptoms ranging from fever and chills to more severe complications.

2. Dengue Fever:

   • Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and a skin rash.

3. Zika Virus:

   • Zika is another virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. While it usually causes mild symptoms, it can lead to serious birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.

4. West Nile Virus:

   • West Nile virus is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Most people infected show no symptoms, but in some cases, it can lead to severe illness, including encephalitis or meningitis.

5. Yellow Fever:

   • Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. Symptoms range from a mild fever to severe liver disease with bleeding. Vaccination is available for yellow fever prevention.

Preventing Mosquito-Borne Illnesses:

The good news is that protecting ourselves from mosquito-borne illnesses is within our control. Here are some easy steps to reduce the risk of infection:

1. Use Mosquito Repellent:

   • Repel Wearables mosquito repellent bracelets use citronella to mask your natural scent, avoiding detection. Applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin also helps ward off mosquito bites.

2. Wear Protective Clothing:

   • When possible, wear long sleeves, pants, and socks to minimise exposed skin and reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

3. Eliminate Standing Water:

   • Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly emptying containers that collect water around your home can help prevent their reproduction.

4. Install Screens:

   • Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your living spaces, especially during peak mosquito activity times.

While mosquitoes may be a familiar part of our outdoor experience, being aware of the potential health risks they carry empowers us to take simple yet effective measures to protect ourselves. By incorporating these easy-to-follow steps into our routines, we can minimise the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses and enjoy the great outdoors safely.

References:

1. World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Mosquito-borne diseases. https://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/vector_ecology/mosquito-borne-diseases/en/

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Mosquito-borne diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/about/zika/about.html