Got bitten by a mosquito while traveling and even got encephalitis... Learn these tips to avoid mosquito bites.

 

Summer Mosquito-Borne Infectious Diseases

▷Zika virus=

Zika virus infection is a disease transmitted by bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes, specifically the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The virus was first discovered in Uganda, Africa, but it has now spread to Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and Central and South America. The main symptom is rash, and it can also be accompanied by joint pain and arthritis, muscle pain, non-purulent conjunctivitis, and conjunctival injection.

Dengue fever

It is a viral disease transmitted through tropical forest mosquitoes, caused by infection with the dengue virus after being bitten by mosquitoes. It is especially important to be cautious when visiting Central and South America, Southeast Asia. After an incubation period of 5 to 7 days, symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, and muscle pain appear. Dengue fever has a total of four serotypes, and reinfection with a different serotype can lead to severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever, dengue shock syndrome, etc.), increasing the risk of death.

Malaria=

Malaria can be contracted both abroad and domestically. Internationally, it mainly occurs in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific region of Asia. Domestically, it mainly occurs in Paju, Yeoncheon, Ganghwa in Gyeonggi Province, and Seo-gu in Incheon. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency designates and announces high-risk areas every year. Symptoms of malaria include fever and fatigue that persist for several days in the early stages. If not treated promptly, it can lead to severe complications such as jaundice, blood clotting disorders, renal failure, liver failure, shock, and acute brain syndromes such as consciousness disturbances, delirium, and coma, which are dangerous.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a disease caused by being bitten by the small red mosquito, the vector of the Japanese encephalitis virus. The virus is transmitted into the bloodstream, leading to acute neurological symptoms. Among people bitten by mosquitoes carrying the Japanese encephalitis virus, 95% show no symptoms, while some progress to encephalitis. When encephalitis occurs, symptoms include high fever, headache, lethargy, and agitation. About 20% of encephalitis patients die, and even if they recover, they may be left with sequelae. During recovery, neurological impairments such as speech difficulties and decreased judgment ability can occur.

The best way to prevent infectious diseases is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Research shows that mosquitoes prefer darker colors over bright ones, so it is advisable to wear long clothing that covers the limbs in light colors. Additionally, avoiding alcohol consumption is recommended. After drinking, body temperature and sweating increase, and the decomposition of alcohol produces uric acid and ammonia, which change the smell of sweat and attract mosquitoes more easily. It is important to wash immediately after outdoor activities to remove sweat from the body. Mosquitoes have highly developed olfactory organs and can detect smells such as sweat and ammonia effectively. Applying herbal oils or mosquito repellent sprays that mosquitoes dislike to areas behind the ears and wrists can also be helpful.