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Iran battles Aedes mosquitoes, diseases they carry
The Aedes mosquito is a vector for several diseases, including dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika, none of which have a vaccine or definitive cure, IRNA wrote.
According to Shahnam Arshi, head of the Center for Infectious Disease Management, environmental improvement, public education, and awareness are the most important ways to prevent Aedes-borne illnesses.
Arshi noted that the Aedes mosquito, specifically the Aedes aegypti species, has the potential to cause explosive epidemics, as seen recently in Bangladesh where 2,600 patients were hospitalized in a single day.
Iran has a long history of battling malaria, and climate change has once again made it a concern in several provinces.
Arshi highlighted the differences between the Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes, emphasizing that the former bites during the day, typically outdoors, in the early morning, or at dusk.
He advised people in affected areas to stay indoors during these times and wear long-sleeved clothing if they must go out.
The Aedes mosquito has already infected 149 people in Iran since April 26, with 130 of those cases being imported from the United Arab Emirates. The mosquito is particularly attracted to dark environments, such as discarded car tires in waste dumps, and its eggs can survive for up to a year and a
half.
Arshi emphasized the importance of environmental improvement and individual protection measures, as the number of health workers and resources for spraying are limited.
The Aedes mosquito has already reached southern Iranian islands, including Kish, Bandar Lengeh, Hormuz, and Qeshm, and there are concerns that an outbreak could lead to the closure of these areas and restricted travel.