mosquitos aren’t just annoying – they are the world’s deadliest animal
world mosquito day is a great time to get a refresher on how you can help protect yourself against mosquito-borne diseases in canada and while visiting tropical destinations
4 minute read
mosquitoes that carry bacteria, viruses and parasites can cause serious health problems. getty
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august 20 is world mosquito day, which serves as a timely reminder for canadians to take precautions when traveling to regions where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent. this day honors the british doctor sir ronald ross. in 1897, he made the groundbreaking discovery that female mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting malaria between humans. ross won the nobel prize for physiology or medicine in 1902, and his legendary finding has since highlighted the critical need for measures to help prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
while mosquito bites are most often a harmless nuisance, mosquitoes that carry bacteria, viruses and parasites can cause serious health problems. when a mosquito feeds on blood, it also swallows any pathogens living in the blood. these pathogens can be transferred to the next person the mosquito bites through its saliva. any disease that is spread in this way from mosquito to human (or animal) is known as a “mosquito-borne disease.”
mosquito-borne diseases affect up to 700 million people each year1. 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 northwards2.
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tips for canadians traveling to at-risk areas
for canadians traveling to regions like the caribbean or southeast asia, where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent, additional measures are recommended:
- 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/
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
“canadians need to prioritize their health and safety by educating themselves about the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases before traveling abroad,” says dr. darin cherniwchan, medical director of fraser valley travel clinic in b.c.
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“taking simple precautions, such as using insect repellent, wearing permethrin-treated clothes and seeking advice about vaccines from travel health professionals, can significantly reduce the risk of contracting serious illnesses while on vacation,” says dr. cherniwchan.
“being informed and prepared is crucial in safeguarding you and your family’s health while enjoying international travel.”
vaccinations are a critical tool in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases for canadians traveling to tropical destinations.
5 facts about mosquitos:
- mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animal due to their ability to transmit diseases that can be fatal to humans.
- 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.
- 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.
- the mosquito lifecycle takes 10 to 14 days to develop from an egg to an adult, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
- 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.
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the more you know about mosquito-borne diseases, the better you’ll be able to help protect yourself and your family.
the road ahead
world mosquito day serves as a stark reminder of the global health challenge posed by mosquitoes. while canada may not bear the brunt of this burden, our interconnected world means that mosquito-borne diseases are a shared concern. by taking proactive steps both at home and abroad, canadians can protect themselves and contribute to the broader effort to combat these pervasive threats.
protecting yourself in canada
though canada is not a hotspot for many mosquito-borne diseases, precautions are still essential. here are some tips to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and potential infection:
- 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.
- 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.
- install screens: ensure that windows and doors are fitted with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. repair any holes or tears promptly.
- eliminate standing water: mosquitoes breed in standing water. regularly empty containers like birdbaths, flowerpots, and gutters to reduce breeding sites around your home.
- 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.
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as we mark world mosquito day, let us renew our commitment to awareness, prevention, and support for initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of mosquito-borne diseases. together, we can help mitigate the risks and work towards a healthier future for all.
learn more about mosquito-borne diseases before you travel. educate yourself at https://110trillionreasons.ca/.
sources
- world mosquito program: https://rb.gy/xn8cj
qureshi, a (2018). chapter 2 – mosquito-borne diseases. academic press. pp.27–45. - https://climateatlas.ca/mosquito-borne-diseases-and-climate-change
this story was provided by valneva canada inc. for commercial purposes.
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