In summer, as temperatures rise and rainfall increases, mosquito and insect activities become more active. On the 16th, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued a special health alert, reminding the public that the risk of mosquito borne infectious disease transmission significantly increases in summer. They should be alert to dengue fever and chikungunya fever, and take preventive measures such as clearing mosquito breeding grounds and preventing and killing mosquitoes. What is mosquito borne infectious disease? What "big" troubles may "small" insects bring? Is the struggle between humans and mosquitoes escalating with climate and environmental change? Mosquitoes that cannot be underestimated - malaria that causes chills and anemia, Japanese encephalitis that causes convulsions and consciousness disorders, dengue fever that causes high fever, severe body pain, and rash... Although mosquitoes are small, they can spread various deadly infectious diseases through bites. Since the founding of New China, the incidence rate and mortality of mosquito borne infectious diseases in China have declined significantly, and malaria will be eliminated in 2021. In 2006, there were still over 60000 cases of malaria in the country, but China has effectively controlled these infectious diseases in just over a decade. ”Liu Qiyong, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, introduced. However, the "mosquito migration" and drastic changes in climate and environment in the era of globalization have brought new challenges to the prevention and control of mosquito borne infectious diseases. The World Health Organization has released data showing that in 2024, the global reported number of dengue fever cases reached a historic high of 14 million. The cross-border movement of mosquitoes has also put significant pressure on China to prevent importation. According to information released by Kunming Customs, there are not only cross-border imported malaria cases in border areas such as Yunnan, but also the risk of infectious mosquitoes flying across the border for transmission. Climate change such as warming and increased precipitation have provided more suitable conditions for the survival of Aedes mosquitoes, the vector of dengue fever. Liu Qiyong pointed out that factors such as climate, environment, natural disasters, and human production and lifestyle can all affect the spread of mosquito borne infectious diseases. Beware of dengue fever and chikungunya fever this summer - The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention held a press conference on the 11th, stating that as mosquitoes enter the active period in summer, the risk of local outbreaks of mosquito borne infectious diseases such as dengue fever in some southern provinces is gradually increasing. On the 15th, the Health Bureau of Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province reported that a local outbreak of chikungunya fever caused by imported cases from overseas has been detected in the district, all of which are mild cases. Wang Liping, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, introduced that chikungunya fever is a mosquito borne infectious disease caused by the chikungunya virus and transmitted through mosquito bites. 119 countries and regions worldwide have reported local transmission. In recent years, the Southeast Asian epidemic around our country has continued to be active. According to the health advice from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the incubation period of chikungunya fever is generally 1 to 12 days, mostly 3 to 7 days. Patients may suddenly experience fever, rash, and joint pain. Among them, fever will last for 1 to 7 days, accompanied by chills, whole-body muscle pain, vomiting, etc; Rashes often appear 2 to 5 days after onset; Joint pain mainly affects small joints such as the wrist and ankle toe, as well as large joints such as the knee and shoulder. Severe pain caused by compression of the wrist joint is an important characteristic of this disease. Experts say that chikungunya fever, like the "twin brothers" of dengue fever, is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes (commonly known as spotted mosquitoes). The symptoms are also similar to dengue fever, but joint pain is more significant. Bai Honglian, Director of the Infectious Diseases Department at Foshan First People's Hospital, stated that the majority of patients with chikungunya fever are mild and can be cured in about a week, while severe cases and deaths are relatively rare. Once residents experience symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or rash, they must promptly seek medical attention at regular medical institutions. Early detection and treatment are key. ”Bai Honglian said. Strengthening these four preventive measures - Wang Liping stated that in the face of the threat of mosquito borne infectious diseases, the risk of infection can be greatly reduced through the following four scientifically effective preventive measures. In terms of environmental governance, clearing mosquito breeding grounds is the fundamental measure to prevent insect borne infectious diseases. The larvae of Aedes mosquitoes, which spread dengue fever and chikungunya fever, breed in small water containers such as bottles, discarded tires, flower pots, etc., which may become their "breeding grounds". It is strongly recommended that the public regularly clean up the areas in their homes that are prone to water accumulation, in order to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. In terms of personal protection, it is important to create a safe 'mosquito free space' for oneself. When going out, try to wear light colored long sleeved clothes and reduce the exposed area of the skin; Apply mosquito repellent containing mosquito repellent and mosquito repellent ester on exposed skin. At home, install screen doors and windows, use mosquito nets, and if necessary, use electric mosquito swatters, mosquito lamps, etc. In addition, during the epidemic period, try to minimize the time spent outdoors under the shade of trees, grass, and other places. Summer is the peak travel season, and it is recommended that the public pay more attention to the epidemic situation in epidemic areas. If you plan to travel to dengue fever and chikungunya fever endemic areas such as Southeast Asia and Africa, be sure to check local epidemic information and make sufficient preparations for mosquito control before traveling. Within 14 days after returning to China, conduct health monitoring and closely monitor one's physical condition. If relevant symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly and inform the doctor of travel history and mosquito bite history to help the doctor diagnose and treat in a timely and accurate manner, which is also the key to cutting off the transmission chain. ”Wang Liping said. (New Society)