World Mosquito Day 2019

Mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in human history for thousands of years as major causes of disability and death.

Sir Ronald Ross proved in 1897 that Anopheles mosquitoes could carry the malaria parasite. The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine later named 20th August World Mosquito Day to mark the significance of his discovery, which is celebrated annually. 

Many mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya and West Nile fever have been undergoing a resurgence in recent years.

The WHO is concerned that the spread of Zika, the resurgence of dengue, and the emerging threat from chikungunya are the price being paid for policy failures on mosquito control in the 1970s. They believe what we are seeing now looks more and more like a dramatic resurgence of the threat from emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

Rapid urbanisation, increases in international trade and travel, climate change and changing agricultural practices are all contributing to the increases in mosquito-borne diseases.

To revitalise worldwide efforts and to emphasise that action needed to be taken urgently, the WHO developed a new global strategy for mosquito control in 2017.

Ecomist Tips to Protect Your Home and Your Family from Mosquitoes

1. Remove stagnant water around the house so mosquitoes cannot breed
2. Maintain fly screens on windows, doors, vents and chimneys
3. Check and maintain rainwater tanks and other water storage vessels
4. Change water in pet’s bowls and birdbaths once a week
5. Use insect sprays and repellants both inside and outside your house
6. Use personal insect repellants to stop mosquitoes biting