World Bank study reveals lifespan of mosquitoes has increased from 14 days to 32-48 days
After witnessing renewed monsoon activity, the city is now experiencing a strange phenomenon due to the uneven rainfall and humid weather. Based on a study carried out by a World Bank project in the city, the life span of mosquitoes has more than doubled.
Compared to last year, the life span of mosquitoes has increased considerably, leading to a rise in cases of chikungunya and dengue. At present, a mosquito in the city goes on to live as long as 32-48 days against its average life span of 14 days.
“During a routine check carried out on October 5 in the city, we found that there has been a control in mosquito density. But, their longevity has increased considerably,” said Pravin Joshi, consultant entomologist with the World Bank project for Gujarat, adding that he and his team conduct such routine tests once a month in the city to determine the density of mosquitoes.
Blaming it on the weather, he said that when humidity surpasses 70%, the survival rate of the mosquitoes increases proportionately. “Due to low temperature and high humidity in the city, the life span of mosquitoes will also increase. Humidity leads to longevity of mosquitoes as the weather is favourable for their survival,” said Joshi. With longevity, the virus inside the mosquito also regenerates, leading to more transmissions and more number of cases.
When questioned on how the survey was carried out, he explained that his team picked up a mosquito of eight to nine days, conducted a study and made an estimate that the mosquito would survive for over 30 days. “We are witnessing more cases of chikungunya as the mosquitoes now have a longer life span. Against the average 14 days, due to the weather, the mosquitoes can survive up to 32-48 days,” said Suhas Kulkarni, medical health officer of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).
The AMC health report indicated that in the first six days of October, the city witnessed 11 cases of chikungunya and 32 cases of dengue. Similarly, last month, Amdavad reported 211 cases of chikungunya and 722 cases of dengue.
“Prefer long-sleeve clothes as dengue-breeding mosquitoes are active during the day and breed in clean water. Also, keep your surroundings clean. Also, have a good healthy diet and lots of fluids and sweets,” said Dr Pragnesh Vachharajani, a physician. He also said that if one was suffering from fever, tests carried out regularly. “A patient suffering from dengue should not insist on taking injections or IV fluids (glucose bottle) as an instant remedy. It can act as catastrophe and cause adverse effects,” said Vachharajani.
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