World Mosquito Day 2024: Common Myths About Mosquito-Borne Diseases You Never Knew

World Mosquito Day 2024: Mosquitoes spread a variety of diseases through their bites. Malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, and West Nile virus are all diseases transmitted by mosquitos. These diseases pose serious health risks, especially in tropical and subtropical areas, and can cause severe symptoms such as high fever, joint pain, and, in some cases, long-term complications or death. In this video, Dr. Hemalata Arora will debunk some common myths about mosquito-borne illnesses.

Myths About Mosquito Diseases

First it is a common misconception that mosquitos only bite at night, which is incorrect. Mosquitoes can bite at any time of day, and the Aedes mosquito, which transmits dengue and chikungunya, prefers to bite at daytime. Second, some people believe that mosquitoes only breed in dirty water; however, mosquitos can breed in both dirty and clean water. Mosquitoes that breed in clean water are responsible for diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, whereas mosquitos that grow in dirty water frequently cause malaria. There is a common misconception that diseases such as dengue and malaria are transmissible. These diseases are spread through mosquito bites, not through direct contact with an infected person, living together, or sharing personal belongings.