3 dreadful diseases that kids can get from mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are one of the largest group of insects that spread diseases to humans. Here are three serious infections spread by mosquitoes.

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Everyone agrees that children should play outside. It is good for their development, and physical and mental wellbeing. However, these are also the times when they are the most vulnerable to diseases spread by vectors like mosquitoes.

Knowing about these diseases will help a parent understand the need to protect the children from these vectors.

Diseases spread by mosquitoes

Female mosquitoes feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals to lay eggs. While they do that, a virus or a parasite might enter the body of the mosquito. It may remain dormant or could grow inside the mosquito; in either case, that turns the mosquito infective. This is the reason that some mosquitoes spread diseases while others don’t.

Some of the diseases spread by mosquitoes include Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunia, Yellow fever, West Nile Fever, various types of encephalitis, not to forget the dreadful Zika. In Singapore, you see cases of Dengue, occasional cases of Malaria and recently, some cases of Zika.

Unfortunately, there is no way for a parent to differentiate which particular mosquito is infective and which isn’t. The best way to protect your children is to follow a few steps described later on in the article.

1# Dengue

Dengue is a viral disease spread by the mosquitoes of the Aedes family. It is rarely fatal, but can cause severe discomfort to the patient. The mosquitoes bite during the day, either at dawn or dusk. They breed in stagnant water near the house, so make sure there isn’t any at your house.

Symptoms include a high fever, splitting headache, nausea, and a rash that appears two to five days after the fever. Treatment is hugely symptomatic and prevention is the key.

2# Chikungunia

It is not seen that often, but the symptoms are similar to Dengue. This is also a viral infection spread by mosquitoes of the Aedes family. It is self-limiting, with symptoms resolving on their own. The disease, however, is painful for the patient.

3# Malaria

It is a parasitic infection almost exclusively seen in Singapore in those who have come from abroad. This is not a self-limiting condition and it needs treatment. The culprit is Anopheles mosquitoes.

The symptoms include fever accompanied by chills. There might be a body ache and a prompt diagnosis and treatment is needed in some cases.

TIP: How to protect the children from mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are particular about the feeding times. Most feed at dawn and dusk, while a few others feed at night. As parents, we need to take this into consideration and follow these steps.

          A. Prevention of breeding of mosquitoes

It is in our hands to restrict the breeding of mosquitoes near our surroundings. So, do no let any stagnant water accumulate in your community. Here is how to have a mosquito-free home according to the National Environmental Agency, Singapore.

          B. Preventing the bite

This is something parents need to do every day. Here is a checklist for prevention of mosquito bites

  • €            Recognise the clusters. Dengue is one of the most common mosquito-borne diseases in Singapore. See if you stay in one of the clusters or your children end up visiting any
  • €            Keep your house clean, especially the children’s room
  • €            When your children go to the playground in the evening, use a good quality mosquito repellant. Rekito is a DEET-free mosquito repellant for children older than 12 months
  • €            If your house is in a dengue cluster, consider using a mosquito-net, at least for babies
  • €            Wear light-coloured clothes covering limbs as much as possible while playing and sleeping.

Parents, these are some of the precautions that you can take in order to prevent mosquitoes from reaching your children.

You can find Pureen mosquito repellants and mosquito nets at Q0010, Lazada, and Shopee.