What Should We Know About Mosquitoes and Travelling?

Mosquitoes are some of the most dangerous creatures known to man. They cause millions of deaths across the globe. Find out everything about vector-borne diseases before you plan your itinerary.

Did You Know Only 3 Species Carry Deadly Diseases?

Mosquitoes cause millions of deaths each year. They are the biggest culprit for deaths in the elderly. They also cause many deaths in children in developing countries.

• Even though there are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes, only 3 of these carry infectious diseases.
• Did you know the anopheles mosquito is the only mosquito species to spread malaria virus infection? Mosquito bite prevention is your best defence against getting sick.
• Anopheline mosquitoes are a mosquito vector responsible for transmitting filariasis. We also refer to this as elephantiasis.
• Anopheles mosquitoes also transmit the West Nile virus.
• Aedes mosquitoes carry yellow fever, encephalitis, and dengue fever.

Learn more about the benefits of Mozzie Patches for disease prevention.

Find out How Mosquitoes Transmit Diseases?

Not all mosquitoes spread diseases the same way. For example, with malaria, the parasites attach to the gut of the infected mosquito. The parasites then enter the host during a blood meal.

With dengue fever and yellow fever, the virus enters the mosquito. This happens while feeding off infected hosts.

Which Places Are Mosquito-Free to Travel to? Let’s Get Specific!

It is almost impossible to avoid mosquito hotspots when travelling. The reason is there are over 3,500 species we know of. They are prolific breeders with hundreds bred at once. Mosquitoes are vectors of parasitic diseases and viral diseases. They cause great harm to both man and beast.

• Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid climates. We spread them in our clothing, plant material, and water-filled containers. We do this through by various means of transport. This includes sea, air and land travel.
• Mosquitoes spread disease from infected individuals to other hosts. Often, they cause severe outbreaks of disease.
• Mosquitoes cause serious diseases which kill over a million people each year. Birth defects and brain damage are often a direct result of vector-borne diseases.
• Some common mosquito-borne diseases are dengue fever, malaria, and the West Nile virus.
• Find out the yellow fever vaccine. Make enquiries when travelling throughout the continent of Africa, central America, and other warm climates.

Which Destinations Have the Highest Number of Mosquito Species?

Brazil, Malaysia, and Indonesia have the most mosquito species. Thailand is another destination with a high mosquito population. Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, and Brazil have the most endemic mosquito species.

The highest number of mosquito-borne diseases occur on the continent of Africa. Other places include Asia and South America. Find out everything about the high mosquito season before visiting places like North America, or Central and South America.

About Mosquitoes in Africa

Mosquitoes are prevalent on the continent of Africa. They are especially difficult to control in the more rural areas. The reason is poor education and poverty. 90% of deaths worldwide from malaria occur on the continent of Africa. Most are south of the Sahara.

What is Malaria and How is it Spread?

The Plasmodium Falciparum parasite spreads malaria. We find this parasite in great numbers south of the Sahara Desert. The secret to preventing malaria is stopping the bite.

Pack mosquito nets and plenty of mosquito repellent when planning a trip. Easy-to-wear Mozzie Patches are 100% natural, and everyone can wear them.  Ensure you get your yellow fever vaccines when travelling in yellow fever territory.

What You Should Learn About Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Dengue fever affects the Americas, Asia, and Africa. It is a fast-spreading disease. Numbers of infected individuals are alarming.

• Between 50 to 100 million people get dengue fever each year, with numbers fast growing.
• Dengue fever is a major cause of death in children throughout Asia and Latin America.

Exploring the jungles and cities in South America and Africa puts you at risk of getting yellow fever.

• Around 200,000 individuals contract yellow fever each year, a severe disease spread by adult mosquitoes.
• Yellow fever is endemic over 30 countries in Africa. It is also endemic in 13 countries in Central and South America.
• Of the 200,000 individuals infected by yellow fever every year, 30,000 die. This usually occurs after the initial phase, when it becomes toxic to the infected person.

Mosquito Habitats Are Diverse. This is What You Should Know.

Female mosquitoes breed everywhere. Their habitats are diverse. Stagnant water in remote areas makes this a perfect breeding ground for mozzies.

We find mosquito colonies in temperate areas and the tropics. We find them in many parts of the world. Few places in the world are mosquito-free. One of these is Antarctica. Another is Iceland. There are no mosquitoes in New Caledonia, the Central Pacific Islands, and Seychelles.

Fight Mosquitoes Naturally with Mozzie Patches

Mosquitoes need little to survive. They are fast travellers, and they are fast becoming immune to many insecticides. Many mosquitoes feed off plants and plant material. Not all are blood suckers.

Using natural deterrents is the answer to travelling in comfort. This is no matter where your destination takes you. It is time to fight the bite the natural way, no matter where you go or what you do.