World Mosquito Day

Beyond the Bite

World Mosquito Day, observed annually on 20 August, commemorates British doctor Sir Ronald Ross’s discovery in 1897 that female mosquitoes transmit malaria in humans. The discovery has a Hyderabadi connection. Ross used a laboratory (now called Sir Ronald Ross Institute of Parasitology) in the twin cities (Telangana) in Begumpet. Very small, mosquitoes have thrived through the centuries and caused death through vector-borne diseases. It has the distinction of causing death to more people than any other creature.  The number of people killed is more than seven lakh people each year. The Female mosquito is responsible for the diseases, especially malaria. Malaria has affected every continent except Antarctica. Over 200 million people still contract malaria each year. A study indicated that on a full moon day, the mosquito activity increases significantly. If you are a regular beer drinker, the chances of mosquitos finding you are higher. The ability of Mosquitoes to adapt to changing environments makes it difficult to eradicate. The world is seeing a significant increase in mosquito-borne diseases. Raising awareness and taking collective action is essential to combat this pressing health challenge. 

World Mosquito Day, observed annually on 20 August, commemorates British doctor Sir Ronald Ross’s discovery in 1897 that female mosquitoes transmit malaria in humans. Ross himself called 20 August Mosquito Day. The discovery has a Hyderabadi connection. Ross used a laboratory (now called Sir Ronald Ross Institute of Parasitology) in Begumpet, in the twin cities (in Telangana), to do his work, which led to the discovery. The institute houses a small museum on Ross and his malaria research. 

Very small, mosquitoes have thrived through the centuries and caused death through vector-borne diseases. It has the distinction of causing death to more people than any other creature.  The number of people killed is more than seven lakh people each year (90% of the deaths happening in Africa). Different mosquitoes cause diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, lymphatic filariasis, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever, zika, malaria, lymphatic filariasis, Japanese encephalitis and West Nile fever. Those most vulnerable to malaria are children under five and pregnant women.  

The Female mosquito is responsible for the diseases, especially malaria. It breeds on stagnated water and bites between dusk and dawn. Some bite during the day, too. Its eggs can live without water for more than one year. Male mosquitoes survive by feeding on the nectar of flowers.

Malaria has affected every continent except Antarctica. Over 200 million people still contract malaria each year. The WHO reports concerns about drug-resistant malaria. Considerable research goes on, leading to a better understanding of the disease and results in the development of innovative preventive measures and medical treatments. A malaria vaccine remains elusive. It could be just a single bite from an infected mosquito that can result in malaria. Researchers have learned from the sharp beak mosquitoes use to draw blood to design improved, less painful hypodermic needles used in medicine. The scientists began to consider injecting parasitic bacteria called Wolbachia, and a female mosquito passes it on in her eggs, resulting in several mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia growing and reaching a stage where the mosquitos do not cause any damage. 

There are about 2,700 species of mosquito. The average mosquito weighs about 2.5 milligrams, flies about 1-1.5 miles per hour and takes in about a microliter of blood during feeding. Mosquitoes find targets by detecting infrared radiation and chemical signals from 25 to 35 meters. A study indicated that on a full moon day, the mosquito activity increases significantly. If you are a regular beer drinker, the chances of mosquitos finding you are higher.  

The world is seeing a significant increase in mosquito-borne diseases. The year 2024 has seen a surge in dengue cases. With more than 11 million cases in 80 countries, it is the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne disease in the world. The ability of Mosquitoes to adapt to changing environments makes it difficult to eradicate. A tiny creature is challenging the might of human intelligence. It is not the size that matters; it is the ability that matters. Sure, humankind will soon find ways to prevent vector-borne diseases. Raising awareness and taking collective action is essential to combat this pressing health challenge. 

Toons: Advika and Anusha  
Logs: M Sai Baba
ToonLogs