World Mosquito Day: Keeping Our Families Safe from Bugs
Every August 20, World Mosquito Day reminds us of the fatal infectious diseases these insects carry, including malaria, dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya. Annually, it encourages us to combat mosquito-borne diseases through continuous research and, most importantly, collective action.
Featured in: August - Awareness Months, Days & Observances.
Why World Mosquito Day Matters
World Mosquito Day warrants attention due to the lethal diseases mosquitoes disseminate. It is the world’s deadliest creature, killing more people than any other animal on the planet, including sharks, snakes, and humans combined.
As disease vectors for malaria, dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya, mosquitoes pose amplified threats under climate change. Moreover, rising drug resistance to malaria increases the urgency of widespread prevention education and access to methods such as insecticide-treated nets, indoor sprays, and antimalarial drugs. Beyond the health toll, mosquito-borne diseases also inflict severe economic impacts.
How to Protect Against Mosquitoes
- Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents with ingredients like DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks treated with permethrin, an insecticide that kills bugs on contact.
- Install screens on doors and windows and regularly check for and repair any damage.
- Throw out standing water in open containers and drain out roofs. Cover exposed containers to prevent stagnant water from pooling.
- Use mosquito nets, especially those treated with insecticides, for added protection while sleeping.
Data and Statistics
Over 3,500 types of mosquito species live on the planet; only a few hundred prefer human blood. Despite that, these blood-feeding mosquitoes are a serious threat.
According to WHO's latest World Malaria Report2, malaria incidences rose to 249 million globally, up 5 million from 2021. The African Region saw 94% of these cases. Malaria deaths dropped to 608,000 in 2022, while the share of fatalities among children under five remained around 76% since 2015.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported 2,406 West Nile virus cases and 2,556 dengue cases in the USA.
Globally, dengue cases have increased dramatically over the past half-century. The World Mosquito Program estimates 390 million infections, resulting in 25,000 deaths yearly.
Related Read: Mosquito Facts.
Brief Timeline of World Mosquito Day
Sir Ronald Ross discovers female mosquitoes transmit malaria. The pigmented malaria parasites in mosquitoes led him to this revelation1.
The World Health Organization launches the Global Malaria Eradication Programme.
Many countries ban DDT, a potent insecticide, leading to a resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases.
Roll Back Malaria (RBM) partnership is formed, renewing global attention on mosquito-borne diseases.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation donates $258.3 million to malaria research.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine hosts the first World Mosquito Day event.
The United Nations aims to reduce malaria cases and deaths by at least 90% by 2030.
World Mosquito Day Themes
| August 20, 2023 | Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement |
| August 20, 2022 | Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives. |
| August 20, 2021 | Reaching the zero malaria target |
Conclusion
World Mosquito Day reminds us of the threat mosquitoes pose to global health. Eliminating malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases should be a priority not only by the research community but by all of us. Raise awareness, advocate for public health policies, and support organizations every August 20 and beyond.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Mosquitoes are deadly creatures spreading malaria, dengue, Zika, and many more. This global observance is dedicated to raising awareness and the prevention of these mosquito-borne diseases.
Global efforts not only include research and development. You can support organizations that regulate mosquito populations and establish malaria control. Moreover, you can harness the digital world to spread credible information and helpful tips.
Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and remove standing water around your home.
Sir Ronald Ross discovered the link between Anopheles mosquitoes and malaria transmission on August 20, 1897.
| 1 | Ross, R. (1897). On some peculiar pigmented cells found in two mosquitoes fed on malarial blood. British Medical Journal, 18, 1786–1788. |
| 2 | World Health Organization. (2023). World malaria report 2023. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
