ITCHY: MOSQUITO BITE

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

The oldest mosquito was discovered in the Cretaceous period. It is an insect of the family Culicidae that resembles a fly. It lived after the Jurassic period about 150 million years ago.

Mosquitoes carry dangerous diseases causing viruses and parasites which move from one person to another. They may cause death if not treated with proper medication. In general, its a concern of the public health authorities. The known viral diseases that cause death to man are dengue fever from Aedes Aegypti and malaria from Anopheles Stephensi.

An estimated 2 million people die annually and more than 700 million people are thought to carry the mosquito diseases. Countries like Africa; South America; Central America; Mexico and much of Asia are with higher records of diseases.

Both male and female mosquitoes are nectar feeders. They usually rest in a cool place during the heat of the day and live in dirty and dank places. Moreover, females are also capable of drinking blood to supplement substances such as protein and iron in their body to develop eggs. The eggs are laid where water is present. It’s a female vampire!

The Mosquito’s irritating bite is due to an immune response and it is best described as “Itchy”. If you are planning a vacation in a jungle, tropical or subtropical place it is a good idea to protect your health from whatever diseases. Here are a few reviewed, rated and recommended repellents.

• Jungle Formula Extra Strength Lotion containing 50% DEET (an active ingredient and is slightly yellow oil) that blinds the insect’s senses.
• Rentokil Plug-in Fly and Mosquito Control is an electrical device containing a reservoir of fluid that releases insecticide.
• Moskil Mosquito Coils normally work by burning slowly when lit to produce a small amount of smoke containing insecticide. It is commonly use outdoors.
• Mosquito Defence Bug Guards are bands worn on the wrist or ankle and impregnated with a high concentration of DEET.
• Ecoguard Fabric Spray contains insecticide that irritates and repels mosquitoes.

 * Photo courtesy of sites.psu.edu