Recognize the Characteristics of Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes Causes of DHF

The characteristics of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carrying the DHF virus can be distinguished from the shape and color pattern. By knowing the characteristics of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, you can recognize them easily and start to be alert if you find many mosquitoes of this type flying in the environment around your home. Aedes aegypti mosquito is a type of mosquito that carries the dengue virus that causes dengue fever. Interestingly, only female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that spread the virus, while male mosquitoes do not. In addition to the dengue virus, the Aedes aegypti mosquito also carries the zika virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is thought to have originated in the African continent. The spread of the virus by the Aedes aegypti mosquito is very easy in tropical countries, such as Indonesia, especially when entering the rainy season. This is because high rainfall makes environmental conditions very supportive for mosquitoes to breed.

The characteristics of the Aedes Aegypti Mosquito

There are several characteristics of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, namely:

Mosquito body size and color

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is easily recognized through its color and shape. The hallmark of this mosquito is its small size and has a black body with white stripes all over. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can fly as far as 400 meters, so that the spread of dengue virus can occur to great distances from where mosquitoes nest.

It's nice to be in clean water

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes nest and lay eggs in clear puddles. In the house, mosquitoes are often found breeding in water reservoirs, such as bathtubs, flower vases, gutters, or pet drinking areas. This mosquito can also hide in corners of low-light homes, such as under the bed or behind a closet. Outside the home, these mosquitoes nest and breed in tree trunks or holes.

Active in the morning and evening

Another characteristic of the Aedes aegypti mosquito is its bite time. These mosquitoes actively search for prey and bite humans in the morning (about 2 hours after sunrise) and in the afternoon (a few hours before sunset). Nevertheless, it is not impossible that the Aedes aegypti mosquito bites at night. Aedes aegypti mosquito bites are sometimes not even realized, because these mosquitoes usually come from behind the body and bite on the elbows or ankles.

Prevent breeding of Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes

The right way to prevent the development of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes is to apply 3M, namely:

• Closing the water storage container tightly.
• Drain the water reservoir regularly, at least once a week.
• Bury or recycle used items that can cause water to pool.

In addition, additional precautions you also need to take to prevent the spread of the virus through mosquitoes, including by:

• Install anti-mosquito wire on windows and doors of the house.
• Spread larvicide powder in a water reservoir.
• Plant mosquito repellent plants.
• Use mosquito nets while sleeping.
• Maintaining mosquito larvae eating fish.

In addition to the various methods above, you can also use anti-mosquito lotion or use mosquito repellent in the form of spray, mosquito coil, and electric. However, the use of mosquito coils must be done carefully if there are babies, children, or asthma sufferers in the house. Another way that can be done to eradicate the Aedes aegypti mosquito is to do fogging or fumigation. However, fogging will usually only be done if there are reports of increased cases of dengue fever around your residence. Dengue fever can now be prevented by giving DHF vaccine, although there is no research that proves that DHF vaccine is more effective than other DHF prevention measures, such as fogging and 3M. So, keep doing the main DHF prevention steps, namely by maintaining the cleanliness of the house and the environment, so as not to become a nesting place for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.