Dengue fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the dengue virus, which can lead to epidemics. Mosquitoes act as the primary vectors, making dengue fever a common occurrence in Vietnam every year. There are several key characteristics to identify these mosquitoes.
Two species transmit the disease. According to the Preventive Medicine Department of the Ministry of Health, two striped mosquito species, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, transmit the disease, with Aedes aegypti being the main culprit. These black mosquitoes, marked with white spots on their bodies and legs, thrive during the rainy season when the average monthly temperature exceeds 20 degrees Celsius. Aedes mosquitoes also transmit yellow fever, Chikungunya fever, and Zika virus.
They prefer to be near humans. Striped mosquitoes prefer human blood and often live indoors, close to people. They rest in dark places, on light-colored clothing, household items, and flower vases.
Mosquito eggs are quite resilient, surviving for months in dry conditions. Breeding sites for mosquito larvae are diverse, often human-made and found around living spaces: pots, ponds, bottles, vases, rockeries, and boats.
Rainwater, sprinkler systems, and air conditioner drainage pipes can also become breeding grounds. Larger water containers like buckets and concrete tanks can produce a significant number of striped mosquitoes.
How the disease spreads. These mosquitoes adapt well to urban environments and are sensitive to human presence. Female mosquitoes might interrupt feeding if they sense slight movements, but they will return to continue biting. Therefore, a single female mosquito can bite multiple people during one feeding, potentially transmitting the dengue virus to many people within a short period, even if they only insert their proboscis without drawing blood.
Short lifespan and life cycle. Striped mosquitoes have a short lifespan. Eggs hatch into larvae within 4-7 days, potentially longer in areas with limited food. Mature larvae are comma-shaped, barely eat, stay on the water's surface, and can dive to avoid danger. Within 1-3 days, these larvae develop into adult mosquitoes.
The entire life cycle, from egg to adult mosquito, is quite short, lasting only 7-13 days under optimal conditions. Female mosquitoes live for 20-40 days, while males live for 9-12 days. Each female mosquito lays 60-100 eggs per batch.
Dengue fever prevention. Eliminating mosquitoes and larvae is consistently recommended for preventing dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases. Specific methods include using mosquito repellent incense until no mosquitoes are visible, coordinating with authorities for mosquito spraying, and cleaning potential breeding sites.
Preventing mosquito bites. Families can install mosquito nets on all doors and vents to prevent mosquito entry. Mosquito-repelling plants can be placed in flower pots. Sleeping under mosquito nets, wearing long-sleeved clothing during the day, and using mosquito repellent products are also recommended.
Vaccination. Vietnam now has a dengue fever vaccine that protects against all 4 serotypes of the dengue virus: Den-1, Den-2, Den-3, and Den-4. The vaccine helps prevent infection and reduces the risk of hospitalization.
Bao Bao
