Here are 3 Types of Mosquitoes that Carry the Dengue Virus and the Prevention!

Mosquitoes are small insects that can be a serious threat to humans health, Moms and Dads. One particular type of mosquito that requires special attention is the mosquito that carries the dengue virus. This virus can cause a severe illness known as dengue, which can be life-threatening. It is crucial for us to recognize the mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus and take the right preventive measures. Here are some important information to know about dengue-carrying mosquitoes and the prevention that can be made.¹

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. In Indonesia, dengue is a serious public health concern, with thousands of cases reported every year.² There are several types of mosquitoes that can transmit the dengue virus, and it is important to take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites. Here are three types of mosquitoes that can transmit dengue, along with some tips to prevent mosquito bites:

Aedes aegypti: This mosquito is a primary vector for dengue. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are small, dark-colored, with white markings on their legs and a lyre-shaped mark on their head. These mosquitoes are active primarily during the day and like to bite humans. They breed in clean water, such as in flower vases, used tires, and other containers that can hold water. To prevent mosquito bites, it is crucial to eliminate standing water around the house and use protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, during the day.³

Aedes albopictus: This mosquito is also known as the Asian tiger mosquito. Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are small, black with white stripes on their legs and bodies. They are active during the day and can also bite at night. They breed in standing water, such as in flower pots, bird baths, and other containers that can hold water. To prevent mosquito bites, it is important to get rid of standing water around the house and use protective clothing.⁴

Aedes polynesiensis: This mosquito is found in several parts of Indonesia and is known as a vector for dengue in specific regions. Aedes polynesiensis mosquitoes are small, dark-colored with white markings on their legs and a lyre-shaped mark on their head. They are primarily active during the day and like to bite humans. They breed in clean water, such as in coconut shells and other containers that can hold water. To prevent mosquito bites, it is important to get rid of standing water around the house and use protective clothing during the day.⁵

How is the dengue virus transmitted? 

Aedes mosquitoes can carry the dengue virus by biting someone infected with the virus. After biting, the mosquito carries the virus in its body and can transmit it to others through subsequent bites. The dengue virus cannot be transmitted directly from one person to another but requires the mosquito vector.⁶

What are the symptoms of dengue fever? 

Dengue can cause severe symptoms, including high fever, muscle and joint pain, headaches, skin rash, and potential life-threatening bleeding. It is crucial to seek medical assistance promptly if experiencing these symptoms, especially after exposure to mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus.⁷

Prevention with #Ayo3MPlusVaksinDBD 

We all play a crucial role in fighting disease-carrying mosquitoes and protecting our health and the surrounding environment. By adopting to the 3M Plus approach Drain (Menguras), Cover (Menutup), Recycle (Memanfaatkan)  and consulting with a doctor to gather information about vaccinations, we can take effective and responsible steps to preserve health and prevent the spread of the diseases.⁸

Let's join hands, Moms and Dads, to implement these measures. With a different style of language, we can maintain our health and create a safe environment for all of us. We are heroes in the fight against disease-carrying mosquitoes and ensuring the health of future generations. Come on, let's witness the positive change we create together, Moms and Dads!

This article is intended for public information and awareness, and for educational purposes. The article is not intended as a form of medical advice. This article has been supervised by: Dr. Carissa R.V Pratiwi.

  C-ANPROM/ID/QDE/0064 | July 2023

References:

1. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (2019). Dengue Mosquitoes Easily Attack. Available at: http://p2p.kemkes.go.id/nyamuk-dbd-mudah-menyerang/ (Accessed on July 2, 2023).
2. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (2023). Infographics. Available at: https://p2pm.kemkes.go.id/pages/publikasi/infografis (Accessed on July 2, 2023).
3. Damasco, O. P. A., Lu, J. B., & Esperon, F. (2017). Characteristics of Aedes aegypti adult mosquitoes in rural and urban areas of western and coastal Kenya. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5736227/ (Accessed on July 2, 2023).
4. Illinois Department of Public Health (2020). Asian Tiger Mosquito. Available at: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/structural-pest-control/asian-tiger-mosquito.html (Accessed on July 2, 2023).
5. Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (2020). Aedes polynesiensis. Available at: https://wrbu.si.edu/vectorspecies/mosquitoes/polynesiensis#:~:text=Aedes%20polynesiensis%20as%20a%20distinctive,dengue%20vector%20across%20its%20range. (Accessed on July 2, 2023).
6. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (2022). Let's Find Out! What is Dengue Fever? Available at: https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/608/ayo-cari-tahu-apa-itu-demam-berdarah (Accessed on July 2, 2023).
7. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (2022). Signs and Symptoms of Dengue Fever. Available at: https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/10/tanda-dan-gejala-demam-berdarah-dengue (Accessed on July 2, 2023).
8. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (2019). Dengue Prevention Efforts with 3M Plus. Available at: https://promkes.kemkes.go.id/upaya-pencegahan-dbd-dengan-3m-plus/ (Accessed on July 2, 2023).