Experts Cite 5 Key Mosquito Triggers to Cut Dengue Risk on World Dengue Day
Updated
Updated · Times Now · Jun 15
Experts Cite 5 Key Mosquito Triggers to Cut Dengue Risk on World Dengue Day
3 articles · Updated · Times Now · Jun 15
Summary
Body odour, carbon dioxide, body heat, sweat and possibly blood type help explain why some people attract more mosquito bites, experts said on World Dengue Day.
Aedes aegypti, the main dengue vector, tracks humans through skin chemicals such as lactic acid and ammonia, then uses exhaled CO2 and warmth to locate places to land and feed.
Adults, larger people, those with higher metabolic rates, exercisers and pregnant women may draw more mosquitoes because they emit more CO2, heat or perspiration.
Blood group O may be bitten more often than group A, though experts said that link is still not fully understood and is only one factor.
Repellents, long sleeves, window screens, mosquito nets, removing stagnant water and avoiding peak mosquito hours can lower dengue exposure in tropical regions including India.