mosquitos aren’t just annoying – they are the world’s deadliest animal

mosquito-borne diseases affect up to 700 million people each year ¹ . common types of mosquito-borne diseases include malaria, dengue, west nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever and zika.

while most of these diseases are more common in tropical and subtropical regions, there is a risk of exposure that exists for canadians traveling abroad, and even locally. with rising temperatures and increased rainfall due to climate change, mosquito-borne diseases are spreading to previously unaffected areas, notably establishing themselves further in the u.s. and northwards ² .

tips for canadians traveling to at-risk areas

1. educate yourself on prevention of mosquito-borne diseases: for information about dengue fever, chikungunya, japanese encephalitis, and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, visit: https://110trillionreasons.ca/
2. get a health consultation before traveling outside canada: review guidelines for canadians traveling to regions with higher risks of mosquito-borne diseases, including pre-travel vaccinations, if applicable.
3. take preventive measures: choose lodgings that provide adequate protection against mosquitoes, including air-conditioned or screened accommodations, use bed nets, wear protective clothing, and apply mosquito repellent regularly and according to the product’s directions, especially after swimming or sweating.
4. be informed: stay updated on current outbreaks and recommended precautions from reliable sources such as https://www.who.int/travel-advice/vaccines

applying mosquito repellant, wearing protective clothing and getting pre-travel vaccinations, if applicable, are ways you can help protect yourself against mosquito-borne diseases. getty

5 facts about mosquitos:

1. mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animal due to their ability to transmit diseases that can be fatal to humans.
2. there are over 3,500 mosquito species worldwide but only a few species are responsible for transmitting diseases to humans, including aedes and anopheles mosquitoes.
3. only female mosquitoes bite humans and animals to obtain blood, which they need to produce eggs. male mosquitoes feed on nectar and do not bite.
4. the mosquito lifecycle takes 10 to 14 days to develop from an egg to an adult, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
5. mosquitoes are attracted to humans by carbon dioxide, body heat, and body odors. they can detect carbon dioxide from up to 50 meters away and are also drawn to sweat and lactic acid.

the road ahead

protecting yourself in canada

1. use insect repellent: choose repellents containing deet, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. apply it to exposed skin and clothing, following the product’s instructions.
2. wear protective clothing: long sleeves, long pants, and socks can help reduce skin exposure. choose light-colored clothing as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
3. install screens: ensure that windows and doors are fitted with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. repair any holes or tears promptly.
4. eliminate standing water: mosquitoes breed in standing water. regularly empty containers like birdbaths, flowerpots, and gutters to reduce breeding sites around your home.
5. be mindful of peak activity times: mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. plan outdoor activities accordingly and take extra precautions during these times.

learn more about mosquito-borne diseases before you travel. educate yourself at https://110trillionreasons.ca/ .

1. world mosquito program: https://rb.gy/xn8cj
   qureshi, a (2018). chapter 2 – mosquito-borne diseases. academic press. pp.27–45.
2. https://climateatlas.ca/mosquito-borne-diseases-and-climate-change

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