Click here to download the video

Summer myth:
The Aedes Aegypti Mosquito

For sure you’ve heard of it, the diseases it can transmit and maybe even have known someone who had dengue – the neighbor’s aunt’s friend, maybe? Even so, there are still many people who ignore the existence of the mosquito and end up relying on chance.

Unfortunately, the Aedes mosquito is not a myth! In 2019, dengue cases in Brazil increased by 600%, and by August more than 600 deaths were recorded – due to dengue, chikungunya and Zika.

Help! So, now what?

Due to the rains, summer is more favorable to the proliferation of the Aedes mosquito, and some specialists expect a severe outbreak of these diseases this season.

Are you scared? Calm down, you can work this out! But everyone needs to help. Cleaning gutters, capping water reservoirs and eliminating all other spots of stagnant water? Yes! And no. To prevent mosquito breeding sites, you must go further.

Call in your neighbors:

if everyone cooperates, it is possible to end probable breeding sites and ensure a safe neighborhood.

Contact public bodies:

if you notice that specific areas are subject to the presence of mosquitoes, contact the health department of your state.

Find out more about it:

watch out for rumors and only spread information from trusted websites (such as this one here). Information can save lives.

Wear long sleeves and pants whenever possible:

shirts and especially pants can help prevent mosquito bites.

Install protective screens:

they prevent mosquitoes from coming inside through doors and windows and also prevent their contact with drain water.

Use repellents and insecticides:

repellents based on Icaridin and EBAAP or IR3535 and household insecticides help protect but need to be registered with Anvisa (The Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency).

Was I contaminated?

It is important to see a doctor in case of suspected contamination, so be aware of the main symptoms:

Dengue

• High fever > 38,5ºC
• Intense muscle pain
• Pain when moving your eyes
• Malaise
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Rash

Chikungunya

• Fever
• Severe joint pain
• Red skin and eyes
• Body pain
• Headache
• Nausea and vomit

Zika

• Rash and itching all over the body
• Low fever, many times unfelt
• Red eyes without secretion
• Muscle pain and headache
• Joint pain

Is it a myth or not?

You have already understood that Aedes is a serious matter, so it’s time to clarify other myths concerning the mosquito and the diseases it transmits.

It only “attacks”
during the day

Myth

They are more active in the early hours of the morning and late afternoon. But depending on the need and the environment, they can bite at night as well.

Only the female mosquito bites

Truth

Both feed on substances that contain sugar (nectar, sap, etc.), but since the male does not produce eggs, it does not need blood. So only the female bites humans.

The Aedes bite itches similarly to the mosquito bite

Myth

The Aedes bite does not itch like the bite of other mosquitoes, it leaves no marks and pain can go unnoticed. So, it can be hard to notice the attack.

It does not reach high places

Myth

Although they usually fly low, they may reach high locations, including moving through elevators to the building floors.

Natural repellents do not prevent Aedes mosquito bite

Truth

Citronella, andiroba and other so-called natural repellents do not kill insects or prevent the bites. In addition, they are not approved by Anvisa.

The infestation of Aedes mainly takes place in urban areas

Truth

To be able to feed more easily, Aedes mosquitoes attack in urban locations, which have a high number of people and low vegetation cover.

Clothes can avoid Aedes bites

Truth

The mosquitoes usually bite legs, feet and ankles. Therefore, wearing long pants, socks and long-sleeved T-shirts can help prevent bites.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever only occurs with those who have the disease for the second time

Myth

Dengue hemorrhagic fever can also occur in those who have never had dengue fever. And in case of recurrence of the disease, dengue will not necessarily be the hemorrhagic type.

Aedes aegypti is not a myth.

Besides believing it, you must protect yourself.

The diseases transmitted by the Aedes mosquito can kill. Protect yourself.

Technical consultant:

Bruno Miguel Jorge Celoria
CRM (Regional Medical Board): 52.87798-0