Latest news with #Aedesaegypti
GMA Network
4 hours ago
- Health
- GMA Network
US CDC considers travel notice for China as chikungunya cases rise — report
A tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is photographed through a 20x optical microscope, in Moncada, Spain July 19, 2024. The Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. REUTERS/ Eva Manez/File photo The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is planning to issue a travel notice for China as mosquito-borne chikungunya infections rise in the country, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday. "CDC is aware of the reported chikungunya outbreak in Guangdong Province in China and is currently assessing the size and extent of the outbreak," a CDC spokesperson told Bloomberg News. The U.S. CDC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. According to the Global Times newspaper, South China's Guangdong Province reported a total of 4,824 chikungunya cases as of July 26. Chikungunya, which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species and has no specific treatment, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization issued an urgent call for action to prevent a repeat of the 2004-2005 epidemic of chikungunya as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. — Reuters
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Prevention tips for dengue and chikungunya: How to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases
Dengue and chikungunya are viral infections spread mainly by the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Both illnesses share similar symptoms, including high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, rash, and fatigue. If left untreated or unmanaged, these diseases can cause serious health complications. With a growing number of cases worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, taking preventive measures is essential. Protecting yourself from mosquito bites and reducing mosquito breeding sites can significantly lower the risk of infection. Understanding how these viruses spread and knowing effective prevention tips can help safeguard your health and that of your community. Understanding dengue and chikungunya and tips for prevention Both dengue and chikungunya are caused by viruses spread through mosquito bites. The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are the primary vectors. These mosquitoes are most active during early morning and late afternoon, making these times particularly risky for transmission. While there is no specific antiviral treatment or universal vaccine available for chikungunya, some vaccines for dengue exist but are limited in availability and application. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pensioners Can Buy These Electric Cars in Malaysia - See Prices Here! Electric Cars | Search Ads Search Now Undo Therefore, preventing mosquito bites remains the most effective defense. 1. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly check and empty water from: Flower pots, vases, and plant trays Water storage containers Old tires, buckets, and discarded containers Roof gutters and drains Ensure that water storage is covered tightly to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. 2. Use mosquito repellents Apply mosquito repellents on exposed skin and clothing, especially during peak mosquito activity times. Always follow product instructions for safe use, especially for children and pregnant women. 3. Wear protective clothing When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes to minimize skin exposure. Clothing treated with permethrin insecticide provides added protection. 4. Install mosquito nets and screens Use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially if you live in or visit areas with high mosquito activity. Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out of indoor spaces. 5. Use mosquito traps and insecticides Deploy mosquito traps and insecticides safely around the home to reduce mosquito populations. Fogging and indoor insecticide sprays can be effective during outbreaks but should be used judiciously. 6. Community clean-up drives Engage with community initiatives to clean up public spaces, remove trash, and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. Collective efforts significantly reduce mosquito populations and disease transmission. 7. Avoid peak mosquito hours Limit outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when Aedes mosquitoes are most active. 8. Maintain personal and environmental hygiene Keep your surroundings clean and dry. Avoid clutter that can collect water, and regularly clean water storage tanks and containers. 9. Stay informed Stay updated on local dengue and chikungunya outbreaks through public health advisories. Also read | Chikungunya symptoms that might go unnoticed
News18
3 days ago
- Health
- News18
Is It Just A Fever? Recognising The Warning Signs Of Chikungunya This Monsoon
Transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, the spread of chikungunya is accelerated by rapid urbanisation, poor sanitation, and improper water storage, which create ideal breeding grounds. Once considered a fading threat, chikungunya is making an unsettling return across several parts of India and beyond. The virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is no longer confined to seasonal outbreaks or tropical regions. Today, it's being fuelled by a complex mix of climate change, urban overcrowding, and increased human mobility. Doctors and public health experts are raising red flags as cases resurface in both familiar and new locations. ' Chikungunya is re-emerging mainly on account of climate change, vector proliferation, urban congestion and human mobility," warns Dr. Subhashree Samantaray, Consultant, Infectious Diseases & Adult Immunisation, Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall have expanded mosquito habitats, while rapid urbanisation, poor sanitation, and improper water storage in cities create ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes – the primary vectors for the virus. Further compounding the issue is the importation of the virus by infected travellers into new areas, especially where competent vectors like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are already active. The European CDC has already linked the 2025 resurgence of chikungunya to such international transmissions. What Are The Symptoms Of Chikungunya? The likelihood of relapse or recurrence varies based on individual, viral, and environmental factors. 'A relapse often occurs in immunocompromised or elderly individuals after apparent recovery," she explains. At the community level, factors such as stagnant water, low herd immunity, and ineffective mosquito control accelerate the spread. Prevention: The Missing Link in Public Health What's worrying public health officials is the ease with which chikungunya can rebound. 'Unlike some infectious diseases, it can't be shut down between places without sustained efforts," notes Dr. Samantaray. The solution lies in targeted mosquito control- eliminating breeding sites, using repellents and protective clothing, improving waste and water management, and conducting regular fogging in high-risk areas. Although two vaccines have received regulatory approvals in several countries, they are not yet widely available. 'The dosing and recommendations are still being standardised," she adds. With its dense population, irregular monsoons, and inconsistent sanitation, India remains particularly vulnerable. 'Storing water during supply gaps often leads to inadvertent breeding grounds," she points out. Unless prevention becomes a sustained public health priority, chikungunya is poised to stay and spread. As chikungunya re-emerges with new intensity, it's clear that controlling the disease will take more than seasonal fogging or reactive public health campaigns. Until vaccines become widely accessible and standardised, prevention remains the most powerful defence – starting at home, in neighbourhoods, and in the way we manage our water, waste, and wellness. view comments First Published: July 28, 2025, 18:02 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
How much blood does a mosquito drink in one bite? The shocking amount behind that tiny itch
Some people attract mosquitoes far more than others, and a 2022 study by Rockefeller University explains why. Individuals who emit higher levels of carboxylic acids through their skin are significantly more appealing to Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. If you've ever wondered how much blood a mosquito actually takes from you during that annoying bite, prepare to be surprised: it's not a lot at least, not for a human! But for the mosquito, it's a massive meal. On average, a female mosquito drinks about 0.001 to 0.01 milliliters of blood per bite. To make it more relatable, that's the same as 1 to 10 microliters. Most US studies narrow it down closer to about 5 microliters per feeding, which is about one-fifth the size of a drop of water. To put it in perspective, you'd need more than a million mosquito bites at once to drain all your blood. Not that anyone's signing up for that! The female mosquito's specialized mouthpart, called a proboscis, acts kind of like a hypodermic needle. She pokes into your skin, finds a tiny blood vessel, and starts siphoning away. While feeding, she also injects a bit of saliva, which is where all that itching, redness, and swelling comes from your immune system really doesn't like mosquito spit. Why do they keep drinking blood until they burst? The US CDC, which keeps a close eye on mosquito-related things, explains that this blood isn't just a snack it's absolutely crucial. Female mosquitoes need the proteins in your blood to make eggs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo They can actually drink up to three times their own body weight in blood during a single meal. If you're curious about why the mosquito doesn't get full right away, it's because evolution is kind of on her side. She usually takes few minutes to fill up, and then she's off hopefully before you've swatted her. Even though it's a tiny amount for us, it's a feast for her. And, unfortunately, it's all she needs to hatch hundreds of eggs that will soon join the summer chorus buzzing around your backyard. Do male mosquitoes drink blood? Male mosquitoes generally do not drink blood. Unlike females, which need blood for the protein to develop their eggs, males feed only on nectar and sugary fluids from plants. This is because male mosquitoes lack the specialized mouthparts females have to pierce skin and suck blood. Blood feeding by males is rare and often harmful to them, reducing their survival. In nature, male mosquitoes mainly hang around to find females and feed on plant nectar, making them harmless to humans since they don't bite or transmit diseases. So next time you find yourself scratching at that tiny bump, remember: all that misery started with a micro-sip from one of nature's smallest (and sneakiest) vampires. Amazingly small for us, but truly life-changing for the mosquito!
India Today
6 days ago
- Health
- India Today
8 simple tips to protect yourself from dengue
Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. It spreads fast, especially during the rainy season when water collects in open areas, making perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Common symptoms include high fever, body aches, headaches, skin rashes, and in some cases, even bleeding. While there is no specific medicine to cure dengue, the good news is that you can prevent habits like keeping your surroundings clean, using mosquito repellent, and wearing protective clothes can go a long way. Dengue is not just a personal health concern; it affects entire families, especially children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems. That's why prevention is so are 8 easy and effective tips to protect yourself and your family from dengue. 1. Don't let water collect around youMosquitoes that spread dengue breed in still water. Check flower pots, buckets, old tyres, AC trays, and coolers, empty or cover them every few days.2. Use mosquito repellents dailyApply mosquito-repellent creams or sprays on exposed skin, especially during the early morning and evening. You can also use natural oils like citronella or eucalyptus.3. Wear full-sleeved clothesCovering your skin reduces the chances of mosquito bites. Choose light-coloured clothes with long sleeves, especially when going outdoors.4. Sleep under a mosquito netMosquito nets are simple but very effective, especially for children and babies. Use them even during the day if you nap, as dengue mosquitoes bite during daylight.5. Keep your house and area cleanDon't let trash, open containers, or broken furniture lie around. They can collect rainwater and become mosquito breeding spots.6. Use mosquito screens and shut windows at duskInstall mesh screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Also, keep doors and windows closed around dawn and dusk.7. Add mosquito larvicide to stored waterIf you must store water, use larvicide drops that kill mosquito larvae. They are safe for use and available at medical stores or through local health workers.8. Watch for early symptoms and don't ignore themIf you have a high fever with severe headache or body pain, consult a doctor. Early diagnosis and care can prevent is preventable. All it takes is awareness and small changes in your daily routine. By keeping your environment clean and taking the right precautions, you can avoid falling sick and protect your family too. Don't wait for a warning, stay safe, stay alert, and stop dengue before it starts.- EndsTrending Reel
