We are used to thinking of mosquitoes as a summer evil: they buzz, they bite, they disturb our sleep. But behind this seemingly minor nuisance lies something more serious. A mosquito is not just an insect. It is one of the most dangerous carriers of diseases on the planet, informs Ukr.Media.
Mosquito – traveler with a syringe
A mosquito doesn't drink blood out of curiosity – only females do this to ensure the development of eggs. But along with the blood, they can also absorb pathogens. Then – pass them on to the next victim. This is not fiction: malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, West Nile virus – all these are real and dangerous infections that are spread by mosquitoes.
These pathogens do not cause disease in insects themselves, but they can be deadly to humans. In many countries in Asia, Africa, and South America, such diseases still claim thousands of lives every year.
And what about Ukraine?
Currently, the situation in Ukraine is unfavorable for exotic tropical viruses, but this does not mean that we are completely protected.
First, domestic mosquitoes can also carry pathogens of local infections — in particular, viruses that cause fevers or encephalitis.
Secondly, the climate is changing, and with it the distribution area of “southern” mosquitoes.
What was only typical of jungles or subtropics 20 years ago is now being recorded in Europe, the USA, and even in the central part of Ukraine. For example, the Chikungunya virus, which was almost unknown in the USA, caused more than 2,800 cases of infection in 2014 alone.
Why are these bites dangerous?
Mosquitoes can transmit viruses from one individual to another—their proboscis works like a syringe: it pierces the skin, injects saliva (with a painkiller), and sucks blood. If the previous “victim” had the pathogen, it could easily get into the body of the next one.
A mosquito doesn't live long – just a few weeks. But during that time, it can “visit” dozens of victims, becoming a carrier of pathogens over a large area.
What to do about this?
Avoid mosquito gatherings (especially in the morning and evening).
Use repellents — even at home if there is humidity or standing water.
Window screens are not a relic of the past, but real protection.
Take care to eliminate mosquito breeding sources – do not leave water in buckets, trays, or basins outdoors.
And the most important thing is to be aware. Mosquitoes are not just a small nuisance. They are small but serious players in the global system of disease transmission. And if we want to stay healthy, we should take them a little more seriously than usual.
