Generally there are many health risks you can get exposed to due to diseases spread by various insects.
However, it is the tiny mosquito that is one of the deadliest. As of 2021, 10 species of mosquitos have been found in the UAE. Mosquitos have the ability to breed in the most unfavourable conditions as long the weather is temperate. In the past Dubai has had infectious spreads of malaria through expatriates, now local mosquito populations have proven to be a task.
When you generally think of health risks you tend to think of common diseases caused by lifestyle choices or accidents.
Dubai has experienced rapid growth in population and infrastructural development which has led to a steady increase in the population of mosquitos as well. In this blog, I will be guiding you through the common diseases these pests spread and how you can implement effective mosquito control.
1. Malaria:
Malaria is a common disease that is triggered by the bite of an anopheles mosquito. Symptoms of malaria are fever, body ache, chills, Nausea and general discomfort. Timely medical help is critical as symptoms will only show up a few weeks after the person has been bitten. If the person is not given medical attention quickly some types of malaria can lead to liver failure, coma or kidney dysfunction. The UAE regularly donates to the malaria eradication program. Its last donation came in 2019 with a contribution of Dh19.32 billion by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Although UAE was declared malaria-free in 2007, more than 5000 people have been diagnosed with this disease.
How to Prevent Malaria?
As with any disease prevention is better than cure, to prevent malaria having nets around your windows and beds is very effective. Mosquito pest control should be done at least annually in your home. There is also the option of taking the malaria vaccine. This should be done especially if you are travelling to a country with high rates of malaria transmission.
Pro Tip- The use of a strong anti-mosquito repellent is strongly advised. In precise of travel long sleeve shirts and pants are ideal to prevent mosquito bites.
2. Dengue:
Dengue fever has become common over the last few years, as recently as 2021 the ministry of health and prevention (Mohap) had called on doctors to increase vigilance while receiving patients with high fevers. Dengue is caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the symptoms include headaches, fever, rashes and joint and limb pain. Dengue fever needs immediate medical intervention as the patient’s health can deteriorate rapidly when infected with dengue.
How to Prevent Dengue?
The most critical thing to prevent dengue is not to have any still water in or around your house. As still water is where Aedes aegypti thrive and are able to lay up to 100 eggs. The use of mosquito repellents is crucial inside your house. If there is any still water infestation, it is important to call a pest control agency at the earliest. Only a mosquito control treatment will be able to get rid of all the mosquitos.
Pro Tip – Using your Air conditioner at night is a great way to discourage mosquitoes as well. Mosquito nets are ideal as well.
3. Yellow Fever:
Yellow fever is a virus caused by the bite of an already infected mosquito. The disease is not transmissible from person to person but can be hard to diagnose as it can easily be misdiagnosed as Jaundice. This is due to its symptoms like fever, chills and paleness are very similar to jaundice. If not treated properly it leads to liver failure, which could be fatal.
There is an anti-yellow fever vaccine available that is known to be highly effective against yellow fever. The vaccine is only available for healthy people from the ages of 9 to 65. Other measures such as mosquito repellent containing permethrin are crucial, along with mosquito nets and screens in your home.
How to prevent Yellow fever?
The prevention of yellow fever relies on not getting bitten by a mosquito. Wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using repellent is key to avoiding mosquito bites. Using your air conditioner is another great trick to keep away mosquitos. If you do end up travelling to a country that has yellow fever transmission, buy a mosquito net and cover your bed with it.
Pro Tip- Do enquire with your physician if you are eligible for the yellow fever vaccine, especially if you plan to travel.
4. The West Nile virus:
The West Nile virus is caused by the bite of any mosquito which has bitten an infected bird and then goes on to bite a person. The symptoms can range from confusion to vision loss. Other reported symptoms include muscle weakness, loss of appetite and fever. The West Nile virus has no cure or vaccine. However, the health of an individual can really decide the severity of the effect of the virus. To avoid getting infected with this virus, mosquito pest control is crucial. Always use a repellent that is safe for pregnant women.
How to prevent the West Nile virus?
To prevent the West Nile virus, not getting bitten by any mosquito is crucial. Wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using repellent is key in avoiding mosquito bites. Using your air conditioner is another great trick to keep away mosquitos. You can also use mosquito nets to protect your bed and if you have a young child, you can cover his/her stroller with a mosquito net as well.
Pro Tip- Annual pest control can combat this disease, as the rising population of mosquitos in Dubai expands. Avoid using repellents with eucalyptus oil in them if somebody is pregnant.
5. Zika virus:
The zika virus is still rare in Dubai, but cases have started to occur more frequently. This virus has symptoms such as fever, headache and body ache. A person can recover from it within weeks of proper care. It is a pregnant woman who is at the risk of a miscarriage if she is infected with the zika virus. Mosquito control is done well in Dubai and that significantly brings down the chance of getting infected.
How to prevent the Zika virus?
Zika virus mosquitos are active early morning and at night. Avoiding mosquito bites is crucial. As Zika can also be passed by people if they engage in intercourse. Wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using repellent is key to avoiding mosquito bites. There is a high probability if one person in the family is infected by zika virus, the same mosquito can bite others and spread the virus. Zika can be passed from a person s blood.
Pro Tip – According to the WHO, using a strong insect repellent and covering your bed with a mosquito net are the most effective ways of preventing the zika virus.
Conclusion
It’s not uncommon for major pest control services in Dubai to get calls about mosquito infestations every day. As Dubai s urbanisation has only increased in the last decade, this has also led to a surge in the biodiversity and population of mosquitos. The current project of green-fiction of deserts has further increased the populations of mosquitoes and bugs in those areas as well. This is mainly due to environments favourable to mosquito breeding skyrocketing since 2010. Having a clean and hygienic home and workspace are key to preventing mosquito bites. Annual treatments from pest control services are also important.
FAQ’s.
1. What is the most effective way to avoid diseases spread by mosquitos?
Ans: The most effective way is to not get bitten. Preventing mosquito bites is the safest way to avoid these diseases. Using mosquito repellent and nets is effective at this.
2. What are the best ways to eradicate mosquitos from my home?
Ans: An annual general pest treatment should be done. A mosquito control treatment should be opted for as this directly combats mosquitos.
3. During which season are mosquitoes in Dubai most active?
Ans: Mosquitos are most active during the spring and summer. Mosquitos need temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive.