Mosquitoes: small transmitters of major diseases

Mosquitoes, tiny intruders of tropical climates, seem harmless, but they are responsible for transmitting some of the world’s most dangerous diseases. Traveling to exotic destinations with dream beaches and jungles in some cases carries the risk of exposure to these small insects, capable of turning an adventure into a real bad experience.

In Europe, alarms have been raised due to the increase in imported cases of diseases such as Zika, malaria, dengue and yellow fever, all transmitted by mosquitoes. The appearance of the tiger mosquito in European countries, including Spain, has put health authorities on alert, concerned about the possible indigenous transmission of these diseases. Experts from the International Traveler Assistance Service of the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, ​​a reference center for tropical diseases, emphasize the importance of being informed about the threats that these small vectors can bring, especially after the appearance of dengue in areas previously free of this disease. .

Zika

The Zika virus, which has gained notoriety in recent years, is transmitted by mosquitoes Aedes aegypticommon in tropical areas. Although the symptoms are usually mild – low fever, skin rashes, joint pain – there is concern about its impact on pregnant women. This virus has proven to be particularly dangerous during pregnancy, as it can cause serious malformations in fetuses, such as microcephaly. In addition, it is not only transmitted through bites, but also sexually, which reinforces the importance of taking additional precautions.

Malaria

Malaria, widely known in rural areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America, is caused by a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. Anopheles. Unlike Zika, which is a virus, malaria is a parasitic infection. The dangerous thing about this disease is that its initial symptoms – fever, chills and general malaise – can easily be confused with the flu. However, without treatment, malaria can quickly worsen and become fatal. Preventing it requires a combined approach: avoiding bites by using mosquito nets and insecticides, and taking preventive medication before, during and after traveling to high-risk areas.

dengue

Dengue, also transmitted by Aedes aegyptiis a threat to all types of people, not just specific groups as in the case of Zika. Symptoms include a high fever, pain behind the eyes, and muscle pain so severe it is known as “breakbone fever.” To make matters worse, it can be contracted up to four times, as there are different strains of the virus, and the risk of complications increases with each reinfection. Prevention is key: as with other diseases, protecting yourself from bites is vital, and it is important to be alert for the appearance of symptoms after a trip.

yellow fever

Finally, there is yellow fever, a viral disease for which, fortunately, there is an effective vaccine. But don’t trust yourself: if you are not vaccinated, yellow fever can go from being a simple fever with muscle pain to a serious disease that affects the liver, causing jaundice (that characteristic yellowish tone to the skin) and internal bleeding. If your destination is an area where yellow fever is endemic, getting vaccinated is mandatory, not only to protect yourself, but because in many countries the vaccine is a requirement to enter.

In short, if you are going to travel to tropical areas, prevention is essential. Using repellent, appropriate clothing, mosquito nets and, in some cases, vaccination and preventive medication, will ensure a trip without unpleasant surprises. Well, although mosquitoes may be small, their capacity to transmit diseases is enormous. Being informed and prepared can make the difference between a dream vacation and a tropical nightmare.

Tips

How to protect yourself from mosquito bites and diseases:

1

Use an appropriate insect repellent: Opt for repellents designed for tropical areas that contain between 20% and 50% DEET, or effective alternatives such as icaridin >20%, IR3535 >30% or PMD >30%.

2

Dress appropriately: Wear cool, long-sleeved, light-colored clothing to protect your skin from bites.

3

Sleep under a mosquito net: Be sure to use insecticide-treated mosquito nets or air-conditioned rooms, especially in areas with high mosquito presence.

4

Avoid traveling to Zika risk areas: If you are pregnant, traveling to areas where Zika is present is discouraged due to the high risk of fetal malformations in case of infection.

5

Use condoms in Zika areas: To prevent sexual transmission of Zika, it is essential to use a condom, especially during pregnancy.

6

Consult a doctor before traveling: If you travel to areas at risk of malaria, consult a specialist about preventative medication (such as mefloquine or doxycycline) and possible emergency treatments.

7

Apply sunscreen first and then repellent: To maximize the effectiveness of both products, apply sunscreen first and then insect repellent.