World Mosquito Day 2022 - Awareness Of Malaria And Its Prevention

World mosquito day! Yes, you read it right. The 20th of August is observed as World Mosquito Day every year. But it must be coming across as a surprise as to what world Mosquito Day is and why it is celebrated. Sir Ronal Ross, on the 20th of August 1897 discovered the malarial parasite transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquitoes to humans. The malarial parasite was discovered on the stomach wall of the mosquito. He was also awarded with the Nobel prize for Medicine in 1902 for his discovery. To commemorate his findings, world mosquito day is celebrated. 

Although small in size, mosquitoes have managed to thrive for decades and are responsible for carrying, transmitting, and causing deaths due to various diseases. One such disease that can become fatal and is caused by mosquitoes includes malaria. According to the World Malaria Report 2021 by WHO, there were 241 million estimated cases of malaria and 627 000 malaria deaths worldwide in 2020.

World Mosquito Day 2022 - Awareness Of Malaria And Its Prevention

What Is Malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused when an infected Anopheles mosquito bites a healthy person. It is a serious disease that is caused by parasites and not bacteria or viruses. 

Transmission Of Malaria

Malaria is transmitted when an Anopheles mosquito (infected) bites a healthy person. Upon being bitten by the mosquito, the malarial parasite enters the body of the healthy person and, through the bloodstream, travels to the liver, where they mature. After a few days, the matured parasites leave the liver and enter the bloodstream to infect the red blood cells. In the red blood cells, the parasites multiply within 48-72 hours, after which the infected cells burst open. The parasites continue infecting the red blood cells, and it is at this point the symptoms start to appear. When another mosquito bites this infected person, the parasites are transmitted into the body of the mosquito, which then bite another healthy person, and the cycle continues. 

Malaria is not contagious, i.e., it does not spread from one person to another. However, malaria affects the blood and can spread through the exposure of infected blood. Malaria can also spread in the following ways:

• Through transfusion of blood
• Organ transplantation
• Sharing of needles
• From pregnant mother to unborn child

7 Tips To Prevent Malaria

1. If you plan travelling to places where malaria commonly occurs, talk to your doctor and get some medications prescribed to help you prevent the risk of contracting malaria.
2. Apply mosquito/ insect repellent creams to the exposed skin. Use creams containing DEET (diethyltoluamide).
3. Use mosquito nets over the bed
4. Shield the doors and windows with mosquito nets
5. Wear protective clothing like pants, long sleeves, and socks
6. Use electronic mosquito repellent bats
7. Spray insecticide/ repellent on your clothes and in your home

Prevention Is Better Than Cure 

This World Mosquito Day 2022, raise awareness about malaria and how it can be prevented. Please spread the word among your kith and kin about various symptoms of malaria like fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, chills, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, and cough, and ensure they don’t ignore them. Encourage people around you to keep the surroundings clean and prevent water stagnation, as stagnant water is the breeding ground for mosquitoes. Keep your homes clean and ensure you follow all the preventive measures before creating awareness about it. 

Be The Change That You Wish To See In The World