#dengue fever virus

[roshni99]

🦟 Dengue Awareness Alert! Learn how to protect yourself from the menace of dengue with these 5 vital tips: 1️⃣ **Mosquito Repellents:** Arm yourself with effective mosquito repellents to keep these tiny terrors at bay! 💪 2️⃣ **Eliminate Stagnant Water:** Break the breeding cycle by ensuring there's no stagnant water around - mosquitoes love it! 🚫 3️⃣ **Wear Protective Clothing:** Dress smart to reduce skin exposure and minimize your risk of mosquito bites. 🛡️ 4️⃣ **Regular Home Cleanup:** A clean home is a safer home. Regularly clean and declutter to discourage mosquito habitation. 🧹 5️⃣ **Spread Awareness:** Share these tips with your community, because awareness is our best defense against dengue! 📢 Let's unite to fight dengue and create a safer, healthier environment for all. 🌍💙 #DenguePrevention #HealthAndSafety #CommunityAwareness #FightDengue #StaySafe #PublicHealth #wellnesswednesdays For more information, visit: https://www.raphacure.com For professional support and essential tools, don't forget to download our mobile app: 📲 Android: http://bit.ly/3JACQOb 🍏 Apple: https://apple.co/3I0QKbe 🌟🤩 dengue fever treatment dengue tips in home dengue fever tips dr richard mata iwas dengue tips dengue safety tips dengue fever tips dengue prevention tips dengue protection tips dengue,dengue awareness,dengue fever,dengue fever treatment,dengue symptoms,dengue treatment,dengue fever symptoms,causes of dengue,dengue mosquito,prevention of dengue,dengue fever awareness,dengue fever virus,dengue awareness month,what is dengue fever,dengue fever diagnosis,dengue prevention,dengue signs and symptoms,dengue fever vaccine,dengue alert,dengue fever lesson,awareness post,publice awareness,dengue virus,dengue shock syndrome dengue ke lakshan dengue fever symptoms dengue me kya khana chahiye dengue dengue machar kaisa hota hai dengue ka ilaj dengue fever symptoms tamil 2023 dengue fever dengue jorer lokkhon dengue fever symptoms in telugu dengue ke lakshan kya hai dengue mosa dekhte kemon dengue symptoms in bengali

[ceevee5]

Climate change - the gift that keeps on giving.

[head-post]

France reports 10 cases of dengue fever in Sainte-Cecile-les-Vignes

France has recorded 10 cases of dengue fever in the southeastern town of Sainte-Cecile-les-Vignes, French media reported.

The first case in the series was reported by a health official on August 14, helping authorities identify an imported case and nine new cases of the autochthonous disease in the same area, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regional health agency said on Thursday.

Authorities carried out larvicide operations in the city to eliminate possibly infected mosquitoes and thus prevent the spread of the disease.

The total number of autochthonous dengue fever cases in the metropolis has risen to 16 this year, according to broadcaster France Info. The country’s first autochthonous case of 2024 was reported on July 8 in the southern department of Hérault.

France’s public health agency (Sante Publique France or SPF) previously announced that 1,031 imported cases were detected between May 1 and August 13.

An “autochthonous” case is defined as a person infected within France, without travelling to infected areas of the world in the 15 days before the onset of symptoms.

Dengue fever is a viral disease that is prevalent in South-East Asia and the Pacific, Central and South America, and countries in Africa. The fever is not transmitted from person to person, but only through mosquito bites.

There is no specific treatment for dengue, but essential care actions such as timely diagnosis of cases, recognising the signs of severe dengue onset and appropriate management of those who become ill can help prevent severe dengue from developing and causing death from dengue.

Read more HERE

[facts1590]

Why Dengue Fever Lowers Platelets and How to Manage

Discover why dengue fever lowers platelet counts and effective ways to manage and prevent this condition.

[nancykhemchandani]

Why Dengue Fever Lowers Platelets and How to Manage

Discover why dengue fever lowers platelet counts and effective ways to manage and prevent this condition.

[vaidyaslaboratory]

Understanding Dengue Causes and Effective Prevention Strategies

Dr Vaidya's Laboratory in Thane provides comprehensive diagnostic services, particularly during the monsoon season when dengue fever cases spike. Dengue fever is a significant health concern caused by the dengue virus and transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Understanding the causes of dengue is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies.

What are the Causes of Dengue?

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which belongs to the Flavivirus genus. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Here are the key factors contributing to the spread of dengue:

Transmission by Aedes Mosquitoes: The primary cause of dengue is the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water in containers such as flower pots, old tyres, buckets, and clogged drains. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, making these times the most risky for mosquito bites.

Virus Serotypes: Dengue virus has four distinct serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity to that specific serotype but not others. This means a person can be infected with dengue up to four times in their lifetime, each time with a different serotype.

Urbanisation and Population Density: Rapid urbanisation and increasing population density create ideal conditions for the spread of dengue. Crowded living conditions, inadequate waste disposal, and poor water management can lead to the accumulation of stagnant water, providing breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes.

Climate Factors: The monsoon season, characterised by heavy rainfall and increased humidity, significantly contributes to the rise in dengue cases. The wet conditions create numerous breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to a surge in mosquito populations and, consequently, dengue transmission.

Travel and Migration: International travel and migration can facilitate the spread of the dengue virus to non-endemic areas. Travellers from dengue-endemic regions can introduce the virus to new places, leading to outbreaks.

Infected Humans: Once a person is infected with the dengue virus, they become a carrier and can transmit the virus to mosquitoes when bitten. These mosquitoes can then bite other humans, perpetuating the cycle of transmission. This human-mosquito-human transmission cycle is the primary mode of dengue spread.

Lack of Effective Vector Control: Ineffective mosquito control measures contribute to the persistence and spread of dengue. Without proper vector control, mosquito populations can grow unchecked, increasing the risk of dengue transmission. Effective measures include regular insecticide spraying, eliminating stagnant water, and promoting the use of mosquito nets and repellents.

Socioeconomic Factors: Lower socioeconomic conditions often correlate with inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare, all of which can contribute to the spread of dengue. Communities with limited resources may need help implementing effective mosquito control measures, leading to higher rates of dengue infection.

Conclusion

Recognising these causes of dengue is essential for implementing effective prevention strategies. Dr. Vaidya's Laboratory in Thane offers comprehensive diagnostic services, including the dengue NS1 test, dengue ELISA test, and other diagnostic tests. We provide free home blood collection services in Thane to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis, helping you effectively manage and prevent dengue fever. Our offerings include the Aarogya Vaidya Dengue Basic Package and the Aarogya Vaidya Dengue Advance Package for thorough and efficient testing. For accurate dengue tests and free home blood collection in Thane, connect with us on WhatsApp at 8591735087 or call our helpline at 1800 266 8992.

[vishinsight]

Prevention of Dengue Fever: Beyond Mosquito Nets

As the warm breeze heralds the arrival of summer, so does the increased risk of vector-borne diseases like Dengue Fever. This debilitating illness, transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes, has become a significant public health concern in many parts of the world. However, the good news is that with a few simple precautions, we can significantly reduce the risk of contracting Dengue. Let’s explore some practical measures to keep these pesky mosquitoes at bay and protect ourselves from this potentially serious illness.

Understanding Dengue Fever:

Dengue Fever is caused by the Dengue virus, which is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti. These mosquitoes are active during the day, with peak biting times in the early morning and late afternoon.

Read more

[xtruss]

It's Fall, Which Means It's Time For Gonorrhea! The Flu Isn't Alone: All Infectious Diseases Might Be Seasonal, According To A New Report.

— By Katherine J. Wu | Published: Thursday, November 8, 2018 | NOVA—PBS

All infectious diseases may be seasonal, according to a new scientific report—which means that every season may now come with its own set of symptoms. Photo Credit: Valerii Tkachenko, Wikimedia Commons

The transition from winter to spring signals the end of months of cold snaps, sweater weather, and Flu Season. But even as the roads clear and flowers bloom anew, it may not yet be time to shelve your sick days for the year.

According to a New Article, published today in the journal PLoS Pathogens, all infectious diseases may be seasonal—and there’s at least one for every time of the year.

Study author Micaela Martinez, an infectious disease ecologist at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, presents a compendium of 69 infectious diseases that run the gamut from rare to common, neglected to notorious, innocuous to deadly. Despite their differences, all the syndromes have one thing in common: They rise and fall with changing seasons.

Martinez, a conservation ecologist by training, initially set out to track the seasonality of acute, or short-term, infections like influenza and chickenpox after noting similarities between the disease states of humans and wildlife. But as she began to compile a list of infectious diseases that tend to plague humans, Martinez found that the trend also held true for chronic, or long-term, diseases like gonorrhea and leprosy.

“There’s documented seasonality for all infectious diseases, which is not what I was expecting,” Martinez explains. “It’s an even more widespread phenomenon than we thought.”

A quick look at the infectious disease calendar paints quite the sobering picture. As autumn leaves turn from green to red, gonorrhea and yellow fever rear their ugly heads in some parts of the world. The Winds of Winter are Famous For Flu, but also bring bouts of pneumonia. Refreshing springtime blooms breathe new life into outbreaks of chickenpox and salmonella. And last but certainly not least, summer months pack the heat with spikes in Lyme disease, polio, syphilis, tetanus, tuberculosis, and more.

Female Aedes Albopictus Mosquitoes, which can carry Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, and Chikungunya Fever, are sensitive to seasonal changes. Ebbs and flows in their population can affect disease transmission. Photo Credit: FotoshopTofs, Pixabay

Other diseases are a bit less finicky: They’ll take any period of natural warmth, spreading the joy over many months at a time—often in regions of the world that don’t experience four seasons of climactic change. For instance, Chagas disease, diphtheria, and genital herpes all flourish over both spring and summer, while their prevalence takes a welcome dip when temperatures fall. Other infectious diseases fare better during rainy seasons, or when climes are particularly dry.

Though the diseases she linked together shared little in common, including even their seasons of prevalence, Martinez theorized there might be similar reasons driving their cyclic nature. To tease apart the connections, Martinez amassed data from 100 previously published studies, zeroing in on several factors that shape seasonality.

For instance, environmental factors obviously come into play. Climate conditions such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall impact the wellbeing of infectious microbes, as well as the humans and wildlife they plague. In diseases that are ferried to humans via an insect vector like a Mosquito or fly, the seasonal ebb and flow of these pest populations may also play a role.

The behaviors of hosts of disease, both human and wildlife, also appear to fluctuate from month to month. This has been infamously exemplified by congregations of kids in schools begetting measles outbreaks. But there’s also something to be learned, Martinez says, by studying flux in the habits of non-human animals, who go through bouts of seasonal breeding, territoriality, and migration, and how these changes affect the spread of disease. Humans may not be seasonal maters—at least, not to the same degree—but even a subtle shift, like an uptick in sex during the summer months, could spur outbreaks of Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes, or Syphilis.

“It’s not that we are vulnerable at a particular time of year and healthy at another,” Martinez explains. “We’re restructuring throughout the year. And the identity of the thing we’re vulnerable to changes with the seasons.”

The idea that some infectious diseases are seasonal isn’t new, says Shanthi Kappagoda, an infectious disease physician and epidemiologist at Stanford University who was not involved in Martinez’ work. However, Kappagoda adds, Martinez’ framework is unique in that it includes some infections that haven’t traditionally been considered seasonal—including several sexually-transmitted infections—and may change how clinicians and researchers approach future epidemics.

As climate change progresses, increasingly warmer locales may favor the transmission of infectious diseases like Cholera, or Mosquito-Borne Infections. Photo Credit: Martijn Meijerink, Pexels

According to Martinez, knowing when certain diseases are in season could help doctors quickly and effectively treat chronic infections that tend to flare up at certain times of the year, like herpes. With this sort of predictive power, patients may be able to minimize the amount of time they’re forced to deal with seasonal symptoms. The same line of thinking might even be applied to scheduling vaccines, which are ideally administered prior to the onset of an outbreak.

Understanding the drivers of infectious diseases’ seasonality may also be helpful on much broader scales, including the Forecasting of Epidemics Worldwide, adds Amy Wesolowski, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who did not participate in the new analysis.

Such global thinking is especially relevant in a rapidly changing world. As Climate Change progresses, the landscape of infectious diseases will shift, explains Kappagoda. Increasingly warmer locales may favor the transmission of summer-loving diseases like cholera. Humankind may also witness a boom in populations of insects like mosquitoes, which are likely to expand their habitats as temperatures climb, chauffeuring with them outbreaks of Malaria, West Nile Virus, and more. Additionally, human sensitivity to heat shouldn’t be underestimated in the context of infectious disease, Kappagoda points out: Climate change will continue to displace large populations of people, spurring the onset of epidemics.

Whether we like it or not, the spread and severity of infectious diseases are inextricably tied to both biology and behavior—which, in turn, cycle with the seasons. According to Martinez, the implications of this go far beyond fingering a malady for all seasons; rather, these patterns could change how we view our own bodies… and give new meaning to the phrase, “feeling under the weather.”

“This isn’t just about transmission—seasonality is also in the human body itself,” she explains. “There’s something happening in our bodies we don’t quite understand yet. Seasonality in infectious disease is just an enticing little piece of the puzzle.”

[healthyhubeveryday]

The symptoms of dengue disease, which is brought on by the dengue virus and spread by mosquito bites, include nausea, joint and muscle pain, high fever, and excruciating headaches. Understanding the four distinct phases of dengue fever—the febrile, critical, convalescent, and recovery phases—is essential to accurately diagnosing and treating this illness transmitted by mosquitoes.

[mehta-hospital]

Dengue – Frequently Asked Questions

In recent days, Tamil Nadu has witnessed a marginal spike in dengue fever cases, affecting individuals of all ages – including Children and Adults.

This mosquito-borne infection has become a significant concern, exacerbated by various factors. One such is climate change, i.e., during the monsoon season, the outbreak of dengue is high.

Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are the primary causes behind the spread of dengue through their bites.

Concerning this health concern, understanding its signs and symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and preventive measures is essential in mitigating its impact and preventing its spread.

Here are some frequently asked questions about dengue fever that can help you understand better.

Can Dengue Spread From Person To Person?

Dengue fever is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, specifically those of Aedes mosquitoes. However, there are exceptional cases where the virus can be transmitted in different ways. For instance, if a pregnant woman contracts dengue, the virus can pass to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. Additionally, though rare, dengue can be spread through blood transfusions.

Can Dengue Mosquito Bite At Night?

Dengue is primarily a daytime-biting mosquito-borne disease.

However, Aedes Aegypti, which is responsible for transmitting dengue stays active during peak times such as early morning (two hours after sunrise) and late afternoon (two hours before sunset).

What Is The First Sign Of Dengue Fever?

Dengue symptoms can range from mild to severe. And some individuals, especially children and teenagers, may not exhibit any signs of the disease at the earliest. Gradually the symptoms start to appear four to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In its milder form, dengue presents as a High Fever (often around 104°F) accompanied by any of the following seven warning signs:

Headache

Muscle, bone, and joint pain

Nausea

Vomiting

Pain behind the eyes

Swollen glands

Rash

In rare and severe cases, the disease can progress to hemorrhagic fever, leading to damaged and leaky blood vessels, severe bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and even death.

Can Dengue Fever Occur To The Same Person Twice?

Yes, a person can be infected with Dengue multiple times, as there are four different serotypes of the Dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4).

Each serotype can cause the disease, and previous infection with one serotype does not provide complete immunity against the others. Some reinfections can result in more severe forms of the disease, particularly with the D2 strain, which is associated with symptoms like Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome.

Immune complications may also occur in some cases, making reinfections more severe.

Do Platelets Decrease Because Of Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever can lead to a significant drop in platelet count in the bloodstream. As it affects the bone marrow, which is the site for the formation of platelets, platelet production reduces. Despite this, it can even increase the platelet destruction from peripheral blood.

These results in a condition termed Thrombocytopenia, occurring when the platelet count is low in the blood. As a result, it increases the risk of internal bleeding.

If this is the worst case, platelet transfusion may be necessary.

Can Dengue Be Prevented?

Preventing dengue primarily involves measures to protect yourself from mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Here’s what you can do:

Stay in air-conditioned rooms or ensure that doors are closed if you don’t have air conditioning.

Limit outdoor activities, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, to cover up the exposed skin.

Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin, and consider applying permethrin to clothing, shoes, camping gear, and bed netting.

Make your living environment free from mosquito breeding sites. Aedes mosquitoes often breed in stagnant water in items like automobile tires, air coolers, and flower vases. Regularly empty and clean these containers and keep them covered between cleanings.

Is Dengue A Fatal Disease?

The person suffering from dengue can recover completely as its symptoms can be managed by staying hydrated and taking medications as prescribed by the healthcare provider.

However, in some cases, Dengue can progress to conditions like Dengue Hemorrhagic fever and Dengue Shock syndrome. When left untreated, it can pose a risk to one’s health.

Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and the right medications can reduce the risk in severe cases.

How Is Dengue Diagnosed?

Early and accurate diagnosis of dengue is important for effective management and timely treatment.

When you seek medical assistance because of the concerning symptoms, the healthcare professionals will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and recent travel history to regions where dengue is prevalent. While these symptoms can overlap with other illnesses, they provide important initial clues for diagnosis.

Followed by blood tests for dengue. This includes the following:

Antigen Test: This test identifies the presence of the dengue virus in a patient’s blood.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test: PCR is a molecular test that detects the genetic material of the dengue virus.

What Are The Treatment Options For Dengue Fever?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. In mild cases, patients are advised to stay hydrated to prevent dehydration and manage their symptoms with medications. However, in severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, with treatment including intravenous (IV) fluid and electrolyte replacement, blood pressure monitoring, and blood transfusion to address complications.

When Should I Consult A Doctor?

Many people tend to overlook the symptoms of dengue fever. It’s crucial to consult a doctor if experiencing fever for more than 3 days. Never even neglect the mild symptoms; diagnose early and prevent the potential complications that arise because of dengue.

What Precautions Should Be Taken After Recovering From Dengue?

Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables to help boost your immune system, which even helps you in the recovery phase.

Make sure to include adequate vitamins and minerals in your diet. Avoid oil and junk foods.

Hydrate yourself by drinking water, and healthy & refreshing juices.

Ensure your body gets sufficient rest to aid your recovery and regain strength.

Always follow the guidance and medications prescribed by your healthcare provider during and after the illness.

During the recovery phase, the body may still be weak, so excessive physical exertion should be avoided. Instead, walking or light exercise can be practiced.

Which Signs Include That We Are Cured From Dengue?

The patient begins to regain the lost function.

During the recovery phase, which typically occurs 7 days after the onset of Dengue, the patient’s condition gradually improves. This includes the subsiding of fever, increased urination, and a returning appetite.

In rare cases, even after crossing the recovery phase, if you encounter any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

Decreased urination

Few or no tears

Dry mouth or lips

Lethargy or confusion

Cold or clammy extremities

Book Your Appointment with Dr Mehta’s Best Dengue Doctors in Chennai!!

To wrap it up,

Knowing more about Dengue from this FAQS article helps you make smart choices for your health and your community during times when the disease is more prevalent.

By understanding the key aspects of the disease, its symptoms, and preventive measures, you play a vital role in staying safe and contributing to Dengue prevention efforts.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and together let’s combat Dengue effectively!!!

[harmeet-saggi]

https://www.secondmedic.com/blogs/warning-signs-of-dengue-recognizing-symptoms-and-taking-precautions

[deepikashomeopathygaurcity]

Dengue Fever: Understanding the Symptoms, Prevention, and Causes

Dengue fever is a formidable viral illness that looms as a significant health threat in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. This mosquito-borne disease, caused by the dengue virus, presents a complex and evolving challenge to public health systems and communities.

Visit Us For More Information: https://medium.com/@deepikashomeopathy4/dengue-fever-understanding-the-symptoms-prevention-and-causes-9d126dcc2858

[reasonsforhope]

Pairing frogs and toads together might conjure memories of Arnold Lobel’s beloved characters — dressed to the nines in caramel coats and polyester — biking off toward adventure. 

But in the animal world, frogs and toads on nearly every continent are facing a much more harrowing adventure: a decades-long fight against a mysterious fungal virus that has afflicted over 500 amphibian species. 

Since the 1990s, scientists estimate that the chytridiomycosis disease caused by the fungal pathogen Bd (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) has led to the extinction of 90 amphibians. One of the lost species includes the Panamanian golden frog, which hasn’t been spotted in the wild since 2009. 

Fortunately, a new research study has finally pinpointed the virus that has been infecting fungal genomes for decades. 

“Bd is a generalist pathogen and is associated with the decline of over 500 amphibian species…here, we describe the discovery of a novel DNA mycovirus of Bd,” wrote Mark Yacoub — the lead author of the study and a microbiology doctoral student at the University of California, Riverside. 

In an interview with UC Riverside News, Yacoub said that he and microbiology professor Jason Stajich observed the viral genome while studying the broader population genetics of mycovirus (viruses of fungi). 

The discovery will undoubtedly have monumental impacts on future amphibian conservation efforts. This includes the possible launching of new research studies into fungal species strains, the practice of cloning and observing spores, and engineering a solution to the virus. 

But Yacoub cautioned that this is only the beginning. 

“We don’t know how the virus infects the fungus, how it gets into the cells,” Yacoub said. “If we’re going to engineer the virus to help amphibians, we need answers to questions like these.”

Still, as scientists strengthen conservation efforts to save frogs and toads (and salamanders too!) they also appear to be saving themselves. Yacoub pointed out several amphibian species around the world have begun exhibiting resistance to Bd. 

“Like with COVID, there is a slow buildup of immunity,” Yacoub explained. “We are hoping to assist nature in taking its course.”

Pictured: A Golden poison frog — one of the many species endangered by chytridiomycosis — in captivity.

Why are frogs and toads so important?

From the get go, every amphibian species plays an important role in their local ecosystem. Not only are they prey for a slew of animals like lizards, snakes, otters, birds, and more, but in an eat-or-be-eaten world, frogs and toads benefit the food chain by doing both. 

Even freshly hatched tadpoles — no bigger than a button — can reduce contamination in their surrounding pond water by nibbling on algae blooms. 

As they grow bigger (and leggier), amphibians snack on whatever insect comes their way, greatly reducing the population of harmful pests and making a considerable dent in the transmission malaria, dengue, and Zika fever by eating mosquito larvae. 

“Frogs control bad insects, crop pests, and mosquitoes,” Yacoub said. “If their populations all over the world collapse, it could be devastating.” 

Yacoub also pointed out that amphibians are the “canary in the coal mine of climate change,” because they are an indicator species. Frogs and toads have permeable skin, making them sensitive to changes in their environment, and they also rely on freshwater. 

When amphibians vanish from an ecosystem, it’s a symptom of greater environmental issues...

Herpetologist Maureen Donnelly echoed Yacoub’s sentiments in an interview with Phys Org, noting that when it comes to food chains, biodiversity, and environmental impact, the role of frogs and toads should not be overlooked. 

“Conservation must be a global team effort,” Donnelly said. “We are the stewards of the planet and are responsible for all living creatures.”

-via GoodGoodGood, April 22, 2024

[owlf45]

romance me with mosquito facts

mosquitoes, when in a condensed enough space, sound like gentle rain.

i work with a specific mosquito species, called the aedes agypti, which carries diseases like dengue virus, west niles virus, and yellow fever. the males are generally smaller than the females, though emerge into adults sooner. you can tell the difference between males and females by the fluffy antennas of the males.

gay mosquitoes everywhere.

mosquitoes tend to be social, if stupid creatures. if you stick two mosquitoes alone in a cage, they probably wont chill (and wont mate). it's just not their style. this is especially frustrating when trying to set up specific genetic crosses.

although i never met them, there used to be a researcher at the lab who did the most batshit stuff. we keep our mosquitoes in mesh cages, so they can't escape but they can feed through the mesh (so we don't have to reach in and out of the cages and potentially let some loose). this old researcher used to grab the morning newspaper, roll up his pants, collapse in a chair and settle his calves over the mesh cages for literal thousands of mosquitoes to feed from him. for hours. i want to meet this man so bad.

mosquitoes are stupid and annoying and prone to killing themselves akin to a goldfish constantly getting stuck in a filter. but strangely enough, you grow to love them. they are simultaneously fragile and durable, easily discernible and difficult to hunt. you can tear their hind legs off and put them through shock a few times and they'll be fine, but a single finger will smush them (quite inconveniently, when you know that bitch could've moved!).

directly after bloodfeeding a female mosquito, if you kill her—often by clapping her directly between your hands (female mosquitoes are the only ones to bloodfeed)—the blood will still be warm.

although i dont screen larvae for traits as often as I used to (I tend to do more database/mosquito caretaking work now), certain gene-linked traits can be found physically in the larvae and pupae stages—sometimes they glow bright blue/green under fluorescent lighting, for example.

like I said though, i mostly work with caretaking. i do the bloodfeeding, i replace their food and water, and i make sure they're in good health and can lay eggs on a proper surface. the mosquitoes under my care live for about a month and a half, though if they're still alive by the time we need to hatch the next generation, we simply fridge them and kill them off. put mosquitoes in the fridge for a few minutes and they'll go to sleep. put them in for a few hours, and they'll usually die— we keep them in for 24 hours to make sure, though.

mosquitoes are difficult to contain. compared to other biochemistry departments, you have tiny creatures that are mobile and can fly, and can't always be seen by the average person unless they're specifically looking for it. I've worked in microbiology labs before, but if there was contamination, it was solely on the researcher. contamination from a loose mosquito is hard to track. this is all to say that I work in a bunker—double doors, minimal vents, no windows.

mosquitoes are the deadliest animals in the world. mosquitoes kill over a million people a year (hence my research). i sit in the back of the bunker sometimes, in the side warm room where we keep our cages of mosquitoes, hundreds of different genetically modified lines in progress at a time, and I have blood on my palms— blood that I fed to my subjects before I squashed them because they escaped from their cages, and I think about the fact that for over 200 lines of this species, I grow them from eggs to adults to death and hatch their offspring again and again and again. i think of lovecraftian horror and I hear gentle rain and remember images of war that keep me up late at night, and I wonder what's the point, for a few numbers in my bank account, and then another mosquito has gotten loose and lands on my arm and doesn't bite me, because it's already full; because i already fed it; because it's just looking for a small, dark place to rest in the folds of my jacket.

mosquitoes love to hide on black surfaces.