Hygienic conditions in your neighbourhood pose a treat of malaria and dengue epidemic write a letter to the editor of The Times of India highlighting the problem and suggesting practical tips to prevent Mosquito breeding
Answers
Answer:
Species of mosquitoes
We have approximately 50 different species of mosquitoes living in Minnesota but only a few species are capable of spreading disease to humans. For example:
Culex tarsalis is the main vector that spreads West Nile virus to Minnesotans.
La Crosse virus is spread to humans by the tree-hole mosquito, Aedes triseriatus.
Jamestown Canyon virus is likely spread by several different species of Aedes mosquitoes in Minnesota.
Mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are associated with warmer climates and are not currently established in this state. Minnesota residents who travel to tropical and subtropical areas may be at risk for mosquitoborne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus.
In addition, people who travel to certain areas of South America, Africa, and South Asia may be at risk for malaria which is a serious disease that is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Travelers to foreign countries may also be at risk for other less common mosquitoborne diseases so it is important to know how to protect yourself from mosquitoborne illnesses when traveling.
Mosquito prevention throughout the year
Spring:spring
Spring is the perfect time of year in Minnesota for residents to get outside and do yard work!
All mosquitoes need water to complete their development and some may use small water-holding containers near your home to do so.
Removing or dumping out water-holding containers in the spring can reduce breeding areas for disease-carrying mosquitoes and prevent illness later this summer.
How to protect your environment from mosquitoes
Mid-summer through early fall (July through September):summer
The highest risk period when mosquitoes may spread disease to humans in Minnesota is mid-summer through early fall.
Most of the populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes are higher at this time of year and the viruses that cause disease have had time to become widespread in these mosquitoes.
It is especially important to avoid mosquito bites throughout the summer and fall
Protect yourself from mosquito bites
Winter:winter
In winter, Minnesotans often love to travel to warmer places.
While Minnesota residents who travel to tropical regions may be at risk for mosquito-borne disease at any time of year, winter is an easy time for us to forget about mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry.
Before you travel, it is important for you to be aware of any mosquito-borne diseases that are circulating in the area, where those mosquitoes are commonly found, and how to prevent them from biting you while you are on your trip.
Protect yourself from mosquitoborne illnesses when traveling
How to protect yourself from mosquito bites
Choose an EPA-registered product so you know it is safe and effective against mosquito bites.
EPA: Find the Repellent that is Right for You
Interactive website with information on how to find an insect repellent that is right for you, United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Wear mosquito repellent containing up to 30% DEET (which is also safe for children over two months of age).
Apply repellents containing permethrin to your clothing or gear.
Other alternatives are available, including picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Follow the product label and reapply as directed.
Wash off repellents when you return indoors.
Wear loose fitting, light colored, long sleeved shirts and pants.
Head nets can also be used in areas with high mosquito populations.
Avoid outdoor activity, if possible, or be sure to wear repellent during peak mosquito feeding times.
Dawn and dusk for Culex tarsalis mosquitoes that can spread West Nile virus
Daytime for Aedes triseriatus mosquitoes that can spread La Crosse virus.
Video: How to Choose and Use Bug Spray
This 2-minute video shows you how to choose and use a safe and effective bug spray that will protect you from ticks and mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry.
Explanation:
Species of mosquitoes
We have approximately 50 different species of mosquitoes living in Minnesota but only a few species are capable of spreading disease to humans. For example:
Culex tarsalis is the main vector that spreads West Nile virus to Minnesotans.
La Crosse virus is spread to humans by the tree-hole mosquito, Aedes triseriatus.
Jamestown Canyon virus is likely spread by several different species of Aedes mosquitoes in Minnesota.
Mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are associated with warmer climates and are not currently established in this state. Minnesota residents who travel to tropical and subtropical areas may be at risk for mosquitoborne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus.
In addition, people who travel to certain areas of South America, Africa, and South Asia may be at risk for malaria which is a serious disease that is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Travelers to foreign countries may also be at risk for other less common mosquitoborne diseases so it is important to know how to protect yourself from mosquitoborne illnesses when traveling.
Mosquito prevention throughout the year
Spring:spring
Spring is the perfect time of year in Minnesota for residents to get outside and do yard work!
All mosquitoes need water to complete their development and some may use small water-holding containers near your home to do so.
Removing or dumping out water-holding containers in the spring can reduce breeding areas for disease-carrying mosquitoes and prevent illness later this summer.
How to protect your environment from mosquitoes
Mid-summer through early fall (July through September):summer
The highest risk period when mosquitoes may spread disease to humans in Minnesota is mid-summer through early fall.
Most of the populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes are higher at this time of year and the viruses that cause disease have had time to become widespread in these mosquitoes.
It is especially important to avoid mosquito bites throughout the summer and fall
Protect yourself from mosquito bites
Winter:winter
In winter, Minnesotans often love to travel to warmer places.
While Minnesota residents who travel to tropical regions may be at risk for mosquito-borne disease at any time of year, winter is an easy time for us to forget about mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry.
Before you travel, it is important for you to be aware of any mosquito-borne diseases that are circulating in the area, where those mosquitoes are commonly found, and how to prevent them from biting you while you are on your trip.
Protect yourself from mosquitoborne illnesses when traveling
How to protect yourself from mosquito bites
Choose an EPA-registered product so you know it is safe and effective against mosquito bites.
EPA: Find the Repellent that is Right for You
Interactive website with information on how to find an insect repellent that is right for you, United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Wear mosquito repellent containing up to 30% DEET (which is also safe for children over two months of age).
Apply repellents containing permethrin to your clothing or gear.
Other alternatives are available, including picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Follow the product label and reapply as directed.
Wash off repellents when you return indoors.
Wear loose fitting, light colored, long sleeved shirts and pants.
Head nets can also be used in areas with high mosquito populations.
Avoid outdoor activity, if possible, or be sure to wear repellent during peak mosquito feeding times.
Dawn and dusk for Culex tarsalis mosquitoes that can spread West Nile virus
Daytime for Aedes triseriatus mosquitoes that can spread La Crosse virus.
Video: How to Choose and Use Bug Spray
This 2-minute video shows you how to choose and use a safe and effective bug spray that will protect you from ticks and mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry.