Why
are mosquitoes attracted to some people than other?
Dengue fever is an infection caused by a virus
called Dengue virus. There are four
different type of this virus, Dengue type 1, 2, 3 and 4. A person can only be infected with each type
once in their life. The virus is spread when a female Aedes mosquito bites an infected person and then bites other
people.
The female mosquito bites only to obtain blood from
its source to provide iron and other nutrients needed for the development and
maturation of its eggs. The belief is true;
mosquitoes do prefer to snack on some people than others.
There are three distinct reasons,
1· Carbon dioxide - producing more carbon
dioxide and lactic acid will cause a mosquito to be more attracted to you. So the reason we always hear a mosquito
buzzing at our ear is because as we breathe out the carbon dioxide from our
nostril, and they follow that track at the angel of the ear. With that said, a
pregnant woman is more attracted to a mosquito since she will emit more CO2.
2· Body temperature – producing greater
body heat will attract mosquitoes, especially if you have a chemical blood type
marker. So persons with type O blood
type are 24% more attractive to a mosquito.
3· Sweating – sweating excessively means
that your body temperature is very high and this will attract a mosquito to
you. Children are always victims since they are always busy playing and running
about. Additional persons who sweat easily and very physical and active
individuals.

When infected with a dengue virus you may develop
Dengue Fever or Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever
(severe
form of Dengue which often causes death).
Here are some signs and symptoms,
1. Sudden
onset of high fever and severe headache.
2. Pain
behind the eye, muscle, bone or joint pain.
3. Skin
rash, vomiting or feeling to vomit.
N: B for Dengue
Haemorragic Fever, in severe cases patients may go into a shock called Dengue
Shock Syndrome. In additional they may experience fainting, difficulty
breathing, bleeding from nose, mouth or gum, stomach pain and skin bruising.
To prevent mosquitoes from breeding is to prevent
them from having access to water.
· Keep all water holding or storage
container closed
· Brush your premises regularly, since
mosquitoes can breed in water on the grass leaves.
· Clean all drains and trenches to allow
water to flow easily.
· Pour cooking oil and other oil in areas
where water settles.
· Package, store and dispose of water
properly. E.g. punch holes in tins.
In case you feel you have dengue visit your doctor
immediately, rest and drink a lot of fluids. Use Paracetamol pain killers only; do not use pain killers such as Aspirin or medications that have Aspirin in them, since they may
increase your risk of bleeding.
Do you have measures in place to protect yourself and your family from Dengue Fever?