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Vectors are living organisms which are responsible for the transfer of infections between humans or from animals to humans. According to the WHO, they cause a shocking 700,000 deaths annually. Mosquitoes, flies, ticks and lice are all examples of vectors and among these, mosquitoes are the deadliest.

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In India, common mosquito borne diseases are malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and filariasis.

How Do Mosquitoes Transmit Diseases?

On biting an infected host, mosquitoes take in the disease-causing microorganism. This microorganism then multiplies in the mosquito and in the next bite, it is transferred to the recipient.

Malaria: As everyone knows, the Anopheles mosquito is responsible for the condition and it bites in the night time (9 pm – 5 am).

Dengue: Infected Aedes mosquito bite during daytime, most commonly in the early morning and late evening, is responsible for dengue.

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How to Protect Ourselves from These Diseases? Is There Any Treatment Available?

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While malaria does have medication, the same is not the case for dengue and Japanese encephalitis. Even with malaria, early treatment is essential to stop further spread.

Immunization against Japanese encephalitis is recommended by the Government of India in endemic areas. The dengue vaccine is in the final phase of research trial. If its safety and efficacy are established, we may be able to use it soon.

As of now, the best way of prevention is to protect our family from mosquito bites.

How to Protect Our Children from Mosquito Bites:

HomeSchool
Personal Protection
Doors and windows are to be secured with mosquito nets. Any holes in the net should be promptly closed.
Keep windows and doors shut during the breeding time of the mosquitoes (early morning and evening in dengue-prevalent areas).

Beds and cribs are to be covered with mosquito nets, preferably insecticide-treated. The net should have 156 holes in a square inch and should be tucked around the bed.

Children should wear light-coloured clothes which will cover their arms as well as legs.
Schools should consider uniforms that allow full coverage of arms and legs.

Socks too can be pulled up to cover legs.
Mosquito repellent applied before going to school and during dawn and dusk will help immensely. But make sure to not apply repellent on hands, mouth, eyes and on any cuts/bruises.
Mosquito Control
Prevent water stagnation.
Throw away any kind of container (tins, tyres, etc.) that can collect rain water.
Replace water in vases, bird baths, etc. at regular intervals.
Maintain drains to prevent water stagnation.
Any container with stored water should be kept covered.
Use larvicides to treat large containers of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped out.
Septic tanks are best covered with a mesh to prevent mosquito breeding.
Look after your neighbourhood. Go around looking for possible mosquito breeding places and if found, apply remedial measures.
Keep Gardens/Playgrounds Tidy:
Trim lawns as short as possible (which are hiding place for mosquitoes). Plant mosquito-repelling plants (peppermint, lavender, rosemary, citronella, lemon, eucalyptus, etc.). Larvicidal fish (guppies, koi and minnows) are good options for garden ponds/water bodies.
Elimination of Mosquitoes:

Inside the house, mosquitoes can be found behind couches, curtains, etc., under tables and in the garden. Use mosquito sprays regularly; natural sprays like lemon and eucalyptus also help. 		Classrooms, playgrounds and areas surrounding schools should be fogged regularly especially at dawn and dusk.
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How to Choose the Best Mosquito Bite Prevention Method, Especially for Babies Considering Their Safety Profile and Efficacy?

  • Various Mosquito Bite Prevention Methods and Their Safety Profile
  • Methods
    Pros
    Cons
    Safety
    Special Precautions
  • Physical/Mechanical Methods:
  • Mosquito Nets
    Work inside and outside the house with no side-effects.
    Regular checking for holes is a must.
    Safest
    To be secured properly so that the net does not give way.
  • Mosquito Rackets
    Works inside the house as well as outdoors with no side-effects on health.
    Should be kept recharged and ready. Can be tiresome.
    Safe
    Needs to be kept away from kids.
  • Mosquito Traps (Electric Zapper, Mosquito Magnet)
    Traps the mosquitoes and kills them. Can be used for commercial spaces.
    Needs continuous power supply.
    Safe in public areas.
    Make sure kids don’t go near the devices.
  • Chemical & Natural Methods:
  • Creams, Lotions, Roll-on Sticks, Body Sprays
    Protects child indoors and outdoors.
    May require reapplication for continuous protection. There is a possibility of allergic reactions on the skin.
    Safe to an extent.
    See the next table
  • Liquid Vaporizers, Mats
    Effective only in immediate surroundings.
    Contains substances that are less harmful when inhaled but very harmful in-case accidentally ingested.
    Safe if cautiously used.
    Switch off the vaporizer before kids enter the room. Should be kept away from kids’ beds and away from children’s reach.
  • Mosquito Coils
    Effective inside the house and in limited surroundings outside.
    Inhaling the smoke from the coil is harmful to the lungs. Fire accidents can happen if enough care is not taken.
    Unsafe
    Closed rooms with coils can cause over concentration of fumes. Best used near mosquito entry spots. Extreme caution advised while using coils.
  • Pest Control Fumes & Sprays
    Effective but only within a limited space.
    Should be avoided for babies as it can result in breathing issues.
    Unsafe
    Babies should not be in the vicinity when the spraying is being done. After spraying, open doors and windows to let the fumes out. When the room is completely devoid of smell, bring the baby into the room.

How Do Mosquito Repellent Creams/Lotions Work?

Carbon dioxide, lactic acid and excretory products in sweat attract mosquitoes and this is blocked by repellent creams/lotions.

  • Various Components of Mosquito Repellents
  • Name of the Component
    Ideal Concentration
    Duration of Action
    Special Precautions
  • DEET
    10-30%
    2 to 5 hours
    Caution advised while using for babies lesser than 2 months of age.
  • Picaridin
    5-20%
    10% – works for 5-12 hours
    20% – works for 8-14 hours
    Caution advised while using for babies lesser than 2 months of age.
  • Essential Oils (Citronella, Lemongrass, Cinnamon, Peppermint and Tea Tree)
    –
    May save the baby from a few bites but not effective when it comes to complete protection. Reapplication will be needed.
    Chance of allergic reaction if not diluted enough.
  • Oil of Eucalyptus
    This has 10% action as DEET
    6 hours
    Can be used on children over 3 years.

Remember While Using Mosquito Repellent for a Child

  • Avoid using products that have DEET/Picaridin for children lesser than 3 months of age.
  • For very small babies (< 3 months), mosquito nets would be the best option.
  • Before applying repellent, do a patch test to make sure there is no allergic reaction.
  • An adult should apply for the kids and the repellent should never be kept at kids’ disposal.
  • Repellent should not be applied on hands, mouth, eyes and cut skin.
  • Always wash your hands after applying the repellent.
  • If you are using repellent sprays, make sure the room has enough ventilation.
Sivaraman2023-02-28-07:11:56am

Dr. D. Sivaraman
Associate Consultant – Paediatrics & Intensive Care Specialist
Kauvery Hospital Chennai

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