World Mosquito Day 2024: Preventions, Precautions and Global Awareness

In this world, we can’t underestimate anything because we don’t know how dangerous it can be to us. World Mosquito Day is observed on the 20th of August every year to spread awareness of the diseases that are spread by mosquitoes. There are over 3700 species of mosquitoes in all worldwide. Almost every individual in this world has had an unpleasant experience of being bitten by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites it causes itching and swelling to that body part. There are mosquitos that can spread dangerous diseases and viruses from one body to another just by biting an individual. Mosquito bites can cause deadly diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya.

History

World Mosquito Day is observed on the 20th Of August because on this day a British doctor made a big discovery. Doctor Ronald Ross found malaria parasites in the stomach of a female Anopheles mosquito and he confirmed that mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. From then on this day World Mosquito Day is observed to raise and spread awareness for diseases borne by mosquitos and how to take precautions for the same.

Diseases Caused by Mosquito

There are 3 major types of diseases that are caused by mosquito bites and they are malaria, dengue and chikungunya. 

Malaria

Malaria is a major life-threatening disease caused by mosquitoes, it can be a deadly disease if not diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. It is transmitted through the infective bite of the Anopheles mosquito. According to WHO, in 2022 there were an estimated 249 million malaria cases and 608000 malaria deaths in 85 countries.

Symptoms of Malaria

Symptoms of malaria will start within 10-15 days after getting bitten by anopheles mosquito.

There are a few  symptoms that can be seen in patients of malaria and they are:

• Fever
• Headache
• Pain in joints and muscles
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Problem in breathing
• Diarrhea 

Data on malaria in India according to the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control from 2020 to 2024 (up to May)

Dengue

Dengue is a viral disease caused by mosquitoes. It is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. It is transmitted through the infected bite of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The risk of dengue is increasing day by day and around 100-400 million people are getting infected every year. It takes 1-2 weeks to get well for the people who get infected by dengue. Some people may suffer from severe symptoms of it and they need care in a hospital.

Symptoms of Dengue

Symptoms of dengue can be seen in 4-10 days after getting infected by Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

There are a few symptoms that can be seen in patients of dengue and they are:

• High fever (up to 104℉)
• Rash
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Pain in joints and muscles
• Restless 

Data on dengue in India according to the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control from 2020 to 2024 (up to February) 

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease caused by mosquitoes. It occurs in Africa, India and Southeast Asia and is mainly found in urban areas of these regions. It is transmitted through the infected bites of the Aedes mosquito and these mosquitoes bite during day hours. There is no such specific treatment available for chikungunya, it is treated with paracetamol or acetaminophen. 

Symptoms of Chikungunya

Symptoms of chikungunya can be seen in an individual 3-7 days after getting infected by Aedes mosquito.

There are a few symptoms that can be seen in patients of Chikungunya and they are:

• Fever
• Rash
• Pain and swelling in joints
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Data on chikungunya in India according to the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control from 2018 to 2024 (up to February)

Misconception About Mosquitoes

There are misconceptions related to mosquitoes in the minds of people which need to be cleared and they are:

1. Mosquitoes only breed in standing water

It is true that mosquitoes breed in standing water but it is not necessary, they also breed in gutters, tree holes, and empty containers.

2. All mosquitoes are responsible for spreading diseases

All mosquitoes that bite don’t spread disease. There are some species of mosquitoes that spread diseases by getting infected.

3. Mosquitoes only bite at night

It is not necessary that mosquitoes will bite you at night. There are some mosquitoes that bite in the daytime.

4. Mosquitoes bite people with specific blood group

It is a myth that mosquitoes bite people who have sweet blood or have specific blood groups. 

Preventions and Precautions

Precautions must be taken to prevent the diseases caused by mosquito bites and to prevent yourself kindly take the below-mentioned precautions:

• Prevent mosquito bites 
• Wear protective clothes while going out and cover your body parts.
• Use a mosquito net while sleeping.
• Apply window screens in homes and offices.
• Use effective mosquito repellent.
• Check for standing water in your areas and destroy it.
• Keep your surroundings clean and sanitize them regularly.

Health Insurance

You can also take health insurance in which you will get coverage for the diseases caused by mosquitoes which comes under seasonal illness. It comes with a waiting period of 30 days and after that, you will get coverage for diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya. For more information visit Buy Health Insurance & Get Upto 25% discount on Best plans.