Mosquito

What happens when you paint cows like zebras? Less bug bites and a prize

Japanese researchers showed that painting zebra-like stripes on Wagyu cows repels biting flies, earning them the 2025 Ig Nobel Prize in biology

Why you're a mosquito magnet and not your friends? Doctor explains

Always the one covered in mosquito bites while your friends walk free? Science says it is not because "your blood is sweeter", here's what makes you a mosquito magnet

This new WHO-backed mosquito repellent cuts malaria risk by over 50%

Scientists say paper-thin sheets that emit safe vapours can block over half of mosquito bites, offering a major breakthrough against malaria and dengue

China tackles chikungunya virus outbreak with wide range of measures

An outbreak of the chikungunya virus in China has prompted authorities to take preventive measures from mosquito nets and clouds of disinfectant, threatening fines for people who fail to disperse standing water and even deploying drones to hunt down insect breeding grounds. More than 7,000 cases of the disease have been reported as of Wednesday, focused largely on the manufacturing hub of Foshan near Hong Kong, which has reported only one case. Numbers of new cases appear to be dropping slowly, according to authorities. Chikungunya is spread by mosquitoes and causes fever and joint pain, similar to dengue fever, with the young, older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions most at risk. Chinese state television has shown workers spraying clouds of disinfectant around city streets, residential areas, construction sites and other areas where people may come into contact with virus-bearing mosquitos that are born in standing water. Workers sprayed some places before ...

WHO issues first global clinical guide on mosquito-borne diseases: Details

The new WHO guidelines offer evidence-based protocols for managing dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever, aiming to improve diagnosis, care and epidemic preparedness worldwide

Andhra to unveil AI-based surveillance system to tackle mosquito menace

Andhra Pradesh to launch AI-powered Smart Mosquito Surveillance System across 66 locations using drones, sensors and data-led targeting to combat vector outbreaks

World Malaria Day: India shows the way, but global fight far from over

Global malaria cases and deaths declined in 2023-24, with India exiting the HBHI group, yet WHO warns that funding cuts and health disruptions threaten continued progress

NGT issues notice to Centre on use of invasive fish for mosquito control

The National Green Tribunal has sought a response from the Centre on two highly-invasive and alien fish species being used as biological agents for controlling mosquitoes. The tribunal was hearing a plea about two fish species -- Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy) -- being released in water bodies to control mosquitoes in various states. The states which stored and released Mosquitofish were Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, while Guppy species had been released in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab and Odisha, the plea said. It said the National Biodiversity Authority declared these two fish species as "invasive and alien" as they adversely impacted the local aquatic ecosystems by causing food scarcity for the indigenous fish species. It also referred to the ban imposed on Mosquitofish by countries such as Australia and New Zealand. The plea referred to a rep

Why are dengue cases rising globally while mosquito control lags behind?

According to the WHO, apart from India, a record number of dengue cases have been reported across the world this year with Brazil and other South American countries worst affected

Shogun Organics develops, patents mosquito repellent molecule Renofluthrin

Shogun Organics, a part of Safex Chemicals Group, on Wednesday said it has developed and patented mosquito repellent molecule Renofluthrin. In a statement, the company said it has developed "Renofluthrin, India's first indigenously developed and patented mosquito repellent molecule". The research and development of Renofluthrin was carried out in partnership with Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), combining Shogun's expertise in molecule development with GCPL's market reach. Shogun Organics holds the patent for Renofluthrin and has partnered exclusively with GCPL for its use in India. Speaking on this invention, Safex Chemicals Group Director Neeraj Jindal said, "Renofluthrin is not just a new product, but a testament to India's growing prowess in molecular development. After ten years of dedicated scientific work and substantial investment, we are proud to introduce a solution that makes India self-reliant in mosquito control technology". Shogun Organics is committed to inv

World Mosquito Day 2024: Date, theme, history, significance and more

World Mosquito Day aims to raise awareness of the deadly diseases that mosquitoes can transmit, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and chikungunya. Every year, it is celebrated globally on Aug 20

Rising cases of mosquito-borne diseases alarms authorities in Maharashtra

Chikungunya cases have more than doubled since last year in Maharashtra, and the number of dengue cases has shot up to 3736 since the beginning of this year

BMC launches 'Bhag Machchar Bhag' campaign to battle dengue, details here

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched a unique campaign to spread awareness about mosquito control measures to battle against dengue and other diseases

Preventing mosquito bites: Here's how to protect yourself and your family

Mosquito bites are a responsible for causing many life-threatening diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, so it becomes imperative to safeguard yourself and others around you

Kerala gets 14 new Zika Virus cases: Know symptoms, prevention and cure

The Kerala health department issued an alert as 14 new cases of Zika virus were identified in the state, including a 24-year-old pregnant woman

National Dengue Day 2024: Check date, history, significance and more

National Dengue Day 2024: It is observed every year on May 16 to inform people about the dengue disease which is an epidemic and is prevalent in over 100 countries. Here's all you need to know

Sea surface temp of Indian Ocean may help predict dengue outbreaks: Study

Abnormal trends in sea surface temperatures of the Indian Ocean could help predict trends in global dengue epidemics, including case numbers and how they might change with time, according to new research. Scientists said that these observed abnormal temperatures, which are a 'climate indicator', could help enhance the forecasting and planning for outbreak responses. Currently, precipitation and temperature are some of the climate indicators that are being used as early warning systems to forecast disease trends such as dengue, they said. The team, including researchers from Beijing Normal University, China, explained that, for example, events associated with warmer sea surface temperatures, driven by El Nino, are known to influence how dengue is transmitted around the world by affecting mosquito breeding. Being able to predict the risk of outbreaks and prepare for them can be crucial for many regions, especially those where the mosquito-borne disease is endemic, or constantly ...

WATCH: Mosquito tornadoes in Pune shock internet, locals urge action

Undated videos shared by the locals showed huge numbers of mosquitoes swirling in the skies, resembling miniature tornadoes, as they passed over various residential buildings in Pune

US approves 1st vaccine against chikungunya virus: All you need to know

Symptoms of chikungunya can sometimes last for months or even years, but the virus is rarely fatal

Delhi LG asks officials to take steps to tackle dengue amid rising cases

Amid the rising cases of Dengue in the national capital, Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena has asked concerned officials to take proper steps on a war footing.Delhi LG also appealed to the public to take all necessary precautionary measures."The rising cases of Dengue and related hospitalization in Delhi, despite a dip in temperature, are worrying. Spoke to the Chief Secretary, NDMC Chairman, MCD Commissioner & Secretary (Health), GNCTD to ensure proper sanitation and mitigation of mosquito breeding on a war footing," LG posted on X."Also asked them to ascertain adequate facilities at dispensaries and hospitals. I appeal to the people to take all necessary precautionary measures," he added.Earlier in September, The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) issued notices to 1.29 lakh houses in 2023 on finding mosquito larvae."5,000 staff of the Public Health Department of MCD are going door-to-door to check mosquito larvae. People are being made aware through pamphlets and ...