Mosquito Infestations and The Diseases They Transmit

Mosquitoes are tiny pests that feed on human blood and are just more than a nuisance. While they might appear insignificant, they transmit a multitude of diseases, causing immense suffering and even death worldwide. There are approximately 3,500 species of mosquitoes on the planet. However, not all of them are responsible for transmitting diseases. The primary culprit belongs to the Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex classes. In this article, we will explore the world of mosquito infestations, the diseases they transmit, and preventive measures taken to control them.

Significant Diseases Transmitted by Mosquitoes

Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Anopheles Mosquito. The symptoms include high fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. If left untreated, malaria can be fatal. In recent years, various measures have been taken to control or eradicate malaria. Though the measures have given fruitful results, still malaria poses a significant health threat in some parts of the world.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever caused by the dengue virus is a devastating illness transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. The symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, severe muscle and joint pains, rash, inadequately lower platelet count, and bleeding. If not treated on time, dengue fever can be life-threatening. Severe cases can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever which can be fatal.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is another fever that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. It also has symptoms like dengue fever such as severe joint and muscle pain, high fever, and rashes. It is not fatal but the joint pain can be devastating and can last for months.

Zika Virus

The Zika virus is also transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. It is associated with birth defects, particularly microcephaly. Symptoms of the Zika virus are joint pain accompanied by fever rash and conjunctivitis.

West Nile Virus

This virus is transmitted by culex mosquitoes. It can cause a range of symptoms from flu-like symptoms to severe neurological disorders. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis and encephalitis.

Yellow Fever

Aedes mosquito also transmits yellow fever which can cause symptoms ranging from mild headache and fever to severe kidney and liver damage. If not treated properly, the condition can get severe and may lead to jaundice and hemorrhage.

Filariasis

This disease is caused by the culex mosquito. The symptoms include acute inflammation of lymphatic vessels along with shaking chills, high temperature, and swollen lymph nodes. It is the second largest cause of permanent deformity and disability after leprosy.

 Mosquito Control and Prevention

Vector Control

This includes targeting the mosquitoes themselves with the use of insecticides. It aims at killing the adult mosquito and their larvae in the breeding sites. Additionally, mosquito nets and repellants can protect individuals from mosquito bites.

Research and Surveillance

Regular inspections and monitoring will keep track of mosquito-borne diseases and its population. Continuous research on mosquito biology, diseases caused by them, and the development of new mosquito control methods is essential.

Public Health Campaigns

Public health campaigns aim at creating awareness among communities on prevention and eradication of mosquitoes like using mosquito nets and seeking medical care if they suspect symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases.

Environmental management

A proper drainage management system and waste disposal will help in controlling mosquito-borne diseases. Also, reducing the availability of stagnant water resources will reduce the breeding grounds keeping a check on their populations.

Vaccination

A widespread vaccination campaign can help prevent disease outbreaks. Vaccination has been developed for some mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis.

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DIY Methods to Control Mosquito Infestation

1. Camphor

Camphor is an effective remedy used to kill mosquitoes. They are irresistible to their strong and pungent smell. You can light a camphor inside the house or put a tablet of camphor in a bowl of water on different corners of the house. The scent will drive away mosquitoes.

2. Keep Cloves and Sliced Lemons

Mosquitoes dislike the smell of citrus fruits. Take a lemon, cut it in half, and stuff cloves inside the lemon. Keep these lemons in different places inside the house. This is one of the safest and easiest methods to drive away mosquitoes from the house.

3. Essential Oils

Some essential oils are also effective in getting rid of mosquitoes at home. You can use lavender and tea tree oil as they have a strong smell that can repel mosquitoes and other insects. Spray all over your home to keep mosquitoes at bay.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a good mosquito repellant. You can mix it with other essential oils in equal quantities and spray it all over the house to get rid of mosquitoes. It is important to shake the bottle before each spray to get effective results.

5. Basil

Basil leaves are poisonous to insects and mosquito larvae die immediately after consuming them. You can grow basil plants in the garden or place them at the entry gates of your house. You can also make a spray by adding some basil leaves to distilled water.

6. Hire a Professional Pest Control Company

If you are living in an area with a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases or suffering from severe mosquito infestation in your house, then hire a professional pest control in Mohali. They have the right tools and insecticides that can effectively and safely eliminate mosquitoes from your home and the surroundings.

Conclusion

Mosquitoes and the diseases caused by them continue to pose a major health threat to the world. These small insects are capable of causing widespread suffering, destroying economies, and hindering development in many parts of the world. Control and prevention efforts, such as vector management, public health initiatives, vaccination campaigns, research, and environmental management are essential for mitigating the effects of mosquito-borne diseases on human health. Besides this, taking measures at the individual level like using DIY methods will also help a great deal in keeping a check on the mosquito population. Sustained efforts are needed to reduce the impact of these diseases on human health and the well-being of communities around the world.