20th August: World Mosquito Day

August 20th recognizes World Mosquito Day marking the occasion when Sir Ronald Ross discovered that female mosquitoes transmit malaria to humans.

During Ross’s work with the Indian Medical Service, he made his groundbreaking discovery. The malarial parasite was found in the gastrointestinal tract of a female mosquito. The discovery allowed scientists to better understand the role of mosquitoes in the disease. It also provided a starting point for prevention.

Some of the most prevalent diseases are:

• malaria
• dengue fever
• West Nile
• yellow fever
• Zika virus
• encephalitis

Take precautions. Learn the symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses. Remove standing water from around your yard and keep lawns trimmed. Explore how researchers discover new approaches to dealing with mosquito issues. Find out what you can do for your community, home, and environment.