Learning Objectives
- Learn about mosquitoes and the diseases they spread
- Understand how diseases like malaria and dengue are caused
- Know how to prevent mosquito breeding
- Learn about staying healthy and preventing diseases
Key Concepts
Mosquitoes and Disease
Mosquitoes are small insects that bite us and suck our blood. Some mosquitoes carry germs that cause serious diseases. The Anopheles mosquito spreads malaria. The Aedes mosquito (it has black and white stripes on its body) spreads dengue and chikungunya. When an infected mosquito bites you, the germs enter your blood and make you sick with high fever.
Malaria
Malaria is caused by a tiny parasite called Plasmodium, which is carried by the Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms include high fever that comes and goes, chills, sweating, headache, and weakness. Malaria can be very dangerous if not treated. A doctor can diagnose it with a blood test. Medicine can cure malaria if treatment starts early.
Dengue
Dengue is caused by a virus carried by the Aedes mosquito. This mosquito bites during the daytime. Symptoms include very high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and sometimes a skin rash. In severe cases, dengue can lower the platelet count in blood. There is no specific medicine for dengue; the treatment involves rest and drinking lots of fluids.
Preventing Mosquito Breeding
Mosquitoes lay eggs in still (stagnant) water. To stop mosquitoes from breeding, empty all containers with standing water: flower pots, tyres, buckets, and coolers. Change the water in pet bowls and flower vases regularly. Use mosquito nets while sleeping. Apply mosquito repellent on your skin. Wear full-sleeved clothes in the evening. Keep doors and windows closed or use screens.
Important Terms
- Malaria: A disease spread by the Anopheles mosquito, causing fever and chills
- Dengue: A disease spread by the Aedes mosquito, causing high fever and body pain
- Parasite: A tiny organism that lives on or inside another organism and causes harm
- Stagnant Water: Water that is not moving, like in puddles or old containers
- Mosquito Repellent: A cream or spray that keeps mosquitoes away
- Breeding: When mosquitoes lay eggs and produce more mosquitoes
Quick Revision
- Mosquitoes spread malaria, dengue, and chikungunya
- Anopheles mosquito â Malaria; Aedes mosquito â Dengue
- Symptoms: high fever, headache, body pain, chills
- Mosquitoes breed in stagnant (still) water
- Prevent breeding: empty water containers, use nets, apply repellent
- See a doctor immediately if you have high fever