Are you at high risk of mosquito-borne diseases? In this article, you will get to know how mosquito nets can be used to hinder the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Nobody likes to get bitten by mosquitoes and then fall ill. Globally, mosquito nets are widely used to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Moreover, it reduces the access of mosquitoes inside the house and protects the people living inside the house. People use mosquito nets in different ways:
- Mosquito nets are dangled above the bed
- It is also commonly used around the children’s crib.
- Mosquito nets for windows and doors are also well-received.
- Mosquito mesh for sliding doors is also effective in protecting the household from mosquitoes.
At first, let’s understand how mosquitoes can pose health risks to public health.
What Health Risks Do Mosquitoes Pose?
Malaria, Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya are some highly prevalent mosquito-borne diseases. African regions, especially the Sub-Saharan African region, are highly affected by Malaria. On the other hand, Southeast Asia and the Latin American region are prone to dengue.
Global stats: WHO estimation
In 2023, approximately 263 million incidents of malaria occurred, among which 597000 people lost their lives in 83 countries. Moreover, as per the data by the World Health Organization, 76% of children below the age of 5 have died of malaria in the greater African region. From the statistics, it is evident that mosquitoes (specifically, female Anopheles mosquitoes) are the main vector of this kind of disease. In Asia, India recorded the highest rates of Chikungunya, as in 2024, the country saw more than 192,000 cases of Chikungunya. Apart from malaria and chikungunya, Dengue and Zika are also prevalent in countries like Bangladesh, India, Latin American countries, and greater African regions.
Vulnerable Populations
These people are at high risk of getting infected with mosquito-borne diseases:
| People at Risk | How are they Vulnerable |
| Older Adults (Above 60Y) | The immune system becomes weak because of pre-existing health conditions due to older age |
| Young Children (Below the age of 5) | Underdeveloped immunity |
| Pregnant Woman | Zika virus can affect them greatly, resulting in complications during childbirth |
| Individuals with an enfeebled Immune System | People affected by HIV/AIDS or Cancer are more prone to be affected by mosquito-borne disease. |
Table 1: Types of people vulnerable to mosquito-driven diseases
Mosquito Nets You Can Use To Protect Against Diseases
It is evident from the stats, these diseases carried by mosquitoes are not only harmful, but they can also lead to death for vulnerable people. Therefore, it becomes a good practice to use mosquito nets to get rid of these diseases.
Several types of mosquito nets are available to cater to the demand of customers. People consider installing mosquito nets for windows because it is easier to prevent them from entering the household this way. Here are different types of mosquito nets and how they can benefit.
| Type | Description | Ideal Use |
| Treated Nets (LLINs) | Treated mosquito nets are long-lasting nets that are soaked with insecticide. This net kills mosquitoes when it comes into close contact. | Areas with higher density of mosquito density, like South Africa, South-east Asia |
| Untreated Nets | Primary mesh protection. Mainly, these nets are chemical-free. | Urban areas, semi-urban areas. |
| Canopy notes | This type of mosquito net can also be used in a bed or a temporary structure. | Ideal use in rural areas or outdoor camping |
| The sliding mosquito nets | This net has been a good option as a mosquito net for sliding doors is becoming very widely appreciated. | These are keys in hotels, or residential complex areas, even in high-rise buildings. |
Table 2: Different types of Mosquito nets
How to Properly Use and Maintain a Mosquito Net?
It is not enough to use the mosquito net. It is also important to maintain the mosquito net as far as possible to secure every possible entrance for mosquitoes. Here are some methods to properly use mosquito nets and maintain them so that they last for longer time.
Cover Areas Like Beds and Windows
Rectangular mosquito nets are hung from the four corners of the bed frame. Plus, you can use hard-wired mosquito nets on the sliding doors, which will block mosquitoes from entering the household.
Tuck Under Mattresses or Use Elastic Edges
If you are hanging a mosquito net around your bed, make sure you have tucked the net under the mattress properly. Moreover, the mosquito nets for windows are fixed by using drawstrings to the corners of their frame.
Inspect for Tears or Holes and Repair Immediately
It is essential to check for tears and holes properly within the net. Mosquitoes can enter through the tiniest tears, difficult to observe in bare eye.
Replace Treated Nets
If you are using treated mosquito nets for windows, you need to replace them every 3 to 5 years. It needs to be replaced because the effectiveness of the insecticide may be reduced, or the net material can start to decay.
In Summary
Mosquito nets are a very convenient and low-cost alternative for creating a defense against mosquito-borne diseases. Using the right type of mosquito nets will help you keep your family and community safe from these diseases.
Start Using Mosquito Nets Consistently to Avoid Falling Sick!
Do you live in an area where mosquitoes influence public health? Start using mosquito nets while sleeping and mosquito nets for windows to avoid falling unwell.
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