WORLD MOSQUITO DAY - AUGUST 20

WORLD MOSQUITO DAY - AUGUST 20.

More than just annoying summertime pests, mosquitoes are also responsible for spreading malaria, a disease that kills over half a million people every year. When Ronald Ross discovered that mosquitoes transmit malaria in 1897, he revolutionized our understanding of the disease and led to increased awareness about malaria prevention.

Today, the best way to prevent the disease is to avoid bites by infected mosquitoes. Insecticide-treated nets, preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants, and indoor residual spraying are all ways to reduce transmission, but the prevalence of mosquitoes in hard-hit areas like Sub-Saharan Africa pose a challenge to eradication measures.

HISTORY OF WORLD MOSQUITO DAY

Mosquitoes, those tiny blood-sucking insects, are responsible for transmitting serious diseases such as malaria. With no vaccine currently available, malaria — an ancient disease that began afflicting humans from the beginning of agriculture and modern civilization — remains a deadly threat to people around the world. Caused by Plasmodium parasites, malaria shows up in historic texts as far back as the first millennium BCE. In fact, the first traces of malaria parasites were found in mosquito remains that are over 30 million years old!

Malaria has affected every continent except Antarctica, and remains a widespread problem in parts of the world including Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean. Over 200 million people still contract malaria each year. In 2010, 90% of malaria deaths occured in Africa. The World Health Organization reports concerns about drug-resistant malaria, which can hamper efforts to reduce the spread of the disease. 

World Mosquito Day honors the date when Sir Ronald Ross, a British army surgeon working in India, proved that mosquitoes transmit malaria by identifying pigmented malaria parasites in mosquitoes that fed on an infected patient. This discovery revolutionized our knowledge of the disease and led to new preventive measures. Ross won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1902.

Ross declared the first World Mosquito Day then and there, stating that the world must be made aware of the link between mosquitoes and malaria. Although an improved understanding of the disease has led to more innovative preventive measures and medical treatments, a malaria vaccine remains elusive.

HOW TO “CELEBRATE” WORLD MOSQUITO DAY

Raise funds for an anti-malaria organization

Team up with a local non-profit or start your own event to raise money for anti-malaria efforts. Donate the money to an organization that distributes nets, supports communities with medication and treatment, or works on vaccine and treatment research efforts.

Learn about malaria

Learn about how malaria spreads, where it's most prevalent, and how to protect yourself if you live in or travel to an at-risk area.

Raise awareness among friends

Malaria can affect anyone in many parts of the world, so it's important that people have accurate information about the disease. Finding some useful information from a reputable organization to share on social media is a great option.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MOSQUITOES

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal

Mosquitoes cause more deaths than any other animal on earth!

Only females bite—and only when breeding

When they're trying to reproduce, female mosquitoes need to feed on blood for the protein. Males and female mosquitoes not trying to produce eggs subsist on flower nectar.

Synchronized wingbeats

Male and female mosquitoes synchronize their wingbeats with their mates.

Mosquitoes aren't attracted to light

Unlike most bugs, mosquitoes aren't attracted to light, but to carbon dioxide. This gives them the indication that a mammal with tasty blood is nearby.

Hypodermic needles are inspired by mosquitoes

The sharp proboscis that mosquitoes use to draw blood has inspired the design of improved, less painful hypodermic needles used in medicine.

WHY WORLD MOSQUITO DAY IS IMPORTANT

It promotes awareness of malaria

Malaria is a common disease and can show up practically anywhere. It’s important to know how it’s transmitted, when you’re at risk, and how to protect yourself.

It raises funds for malaria research and treatment

Without a vaccine, malaria still ravages populations around the world. Research organizations are working constantly to find a vaccine and improved treatment.

It reminds us to appreciate scientists

Although there’s a long way to go before the disease is eradicated, medical science breakthroughs have led to improved treatments for patients, better prevention measures, and a stronger understanding of the disease and its vectors.