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1. DEBRE BERHAN UNIVERSITY
ASRAT WOLDEYES HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND ECOLOGY
GROUP ASSIGNMENT
Mark 2/3
Submission date: 19/05/2016E.c
Submitted to: Asmamaw(MSc, PhD)
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Name ID number
Bewket dejen 1401026
Bethel Solomon 1401014
Bekalu Kedesse 1401866
Amete Bulache 1400894
Ayehu Desalegn 1400963
Asniko Abiye 1400924
Kibrom Abeje 1401532
Biniyam Cheru 1401990
Buzuye Seid 1402076
Nurit Yimam 1402165

2. Learning objectives
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 Know the public health importance of mosquitoes
• Know the mosquitoes born diseases
• Describe the mosquitoes born disease status in Ethiopia
• Know about Mosquitoes control methods

3. INTRODUCTION TO MOSQUITOES
 Mosquitoes are small, flying insects that are found in almost every region of the world. They
are known for their bites, which can be itchy and uncomfortable, and can also transmit
diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
 There are over 3,500 species of mosquitoes, but only a few are known to transmit diseases to
humans. The most common species that transmit diseases are:
 Aedes aegypti: This species is found in tropical and subtropical regions and is known to
transmit dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus.
 Aedes albopictus: This species is found in temperate and tropical regions and is known to
transmit dengue fever and chikungunya.
 Anopheles gambiae: This species is found in sub-Saharan Africa and is known to transmit
malaria.
 Mosquitoes have a unique life cycle, which involves four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
The eggs are laid in standing water, such as ponds, lakes, or even small containers like buckets
or flowerpots. The larvae hatch from the eggs and live in the water, feeding on small
organisms and organic matter.
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4. Public health importance of mosquitoes
 Mosquitoes are often viewed as a nuisance, but they play a crucial role in public health. These tiny
insects are responsible for spreading diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and Zika
virus, among others. Her, we will discuss the public health importance of mosquitoes.
 Vector for diseases: Mosquitoes are the primary vectors for many diseases, including malaria,
dengue fever, yellow fever, and Zika virus. When a mosquito bites an infected person, it can
transmit the disease to other people it bites later.
 Breeding grounds: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, which can be found in many different
environments, including ponds, lakes, marshes, and even small containers like buckets and tires.
This means that mosquitoes can be found in both rural and urban areas, and their breeding
grounds can be difficult to eliminate.
 Resistance to insecticides: Over time, mosquitoes have developed resistance to many insecticides,
making it more difficult to control their populations. According to the CDC, the use of insecticides
to control mosquito populations can lead to the development of resistance, which can undermine
the effectiveness of control measures.
 Ecological role: Mosquitoes play an important ecological role in many ecosystems, serving as a
food source for other animals, such as birds and bats. According to the National Geographic,
mosquitoes are an important part of the food chain, and their elimination can have unintended
consequences on the ecosystem.
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5. Mosquitoes born diseases and climate change
 Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest animals in the world, responsible for spreading a range of
diseases that affect millions of people every year. Here are some of the most common
mosquito-borne diseases:
 Malaria: Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is
transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
 Dengue Fever: Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. It is a leading
cause of illness and death in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical
regions.
 Yellow Fever: Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Haemagogus and Sabethes
mosquitoes. It is a serious and sometimes deadly disease that is found in tropical and
subtropical regions of Africa and South America.
 Zika Virus: Zika virus is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. It is a relatively new
disease that was first identified in 2015 and has since spread to many countries around the
world.
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6. How mosquitoes are affected by climate change?
 Climate change has a significant impact on the distribution, behaviour, and population dynamics
of mosquitoes.
Here are some of the key ways in which mosquitoes are affected by climate change:
 Range Expansion: Rising temperatures allow mosquitoes to expand their geographic range.
Regions that were previously too cold for certain mosquito species may become suitable
habitats as temperatures warm. This expansion increases the risk of mosquito-borne diseases
spreading to new areas.
 Altered Breeding Patterns: Changes in precipitation patterns can lead to fluctuations in water
availability, affecting mosquito breeding habitats. Heavy rainfall followed by drought can create
ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, leading to population surges and increased disease
transmission.
 Longer Mosquito Seasons: Warmer temperatures can extend the mosquito season, allowing for
more generations of mosquitoes within a single year. This prolonged activity increases the
potential for disease transmission and human-mosquito interactions.
 Disease Transmission: Climate change influences the prevalence and transmission of mosquito-
borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. Warmer
temperatures can accelerate the development of pathogens within mosquitoes and alter the
behaviour of both mosquitoes and the pathogens they carry.
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7. Mosquitoes born disease status in Ethiopia
Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Ethiopia
 Ethiopia, like many other tropical and subtropical regions, is home to a variety of mosquito-
borne diseases.
 Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever,
and lymphatic filariasis in the country.
1, Malaria
 Malaria is a major public health concern in Ethiopia. The disease is transmitted through the
bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
Ethiopia has made significant progress in reducing the burden of malaria in recent years.
However, it still remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the country.
 The Ethiopian Ministry of Health has implemented various strategies to combat malaria,
including the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and
improving access to diagnostic testing and treatment. Despite these efforts, malaria
continues to be a significant health issue in Ethiopia.
2, Dengue Fever and Chikungunya:
 Dengue fever and chikungunya are also mosquito-borne diseases present in Ethiopia. These
viral illnesses are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. While there have been sporadic
outbreaks of dengue fever and chikungunya in Ethiopia, the overall prevalence of these
diseases is relatively low compared to malaria.
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8. Mosquitoes born disease status.....
3, Yellow Fever:
 Yellow fever is another mosquito-borne disease that poses a risk in some parts of
Ethiopia. The disease is caused by the yellow fever virus, which is transmitted by
infected Aedes or Haemagogus mosquitoes. Vaccination against yellow fever is
recommended for travelers visiting certain areas of Ethiopia to prevent the spread of
the disease.
4, Lymphatic Filariasis:
 Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is a parasitic disease transmitted by
Culex mosquitoes in some regions of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian government has been
involved in mass drug administration campaigns to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a
public health problem.
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9. Mosquito Control Methods
 Mosquitoes are vectors for various diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West
Nile virus. Controlling mosquito populations is crucial for public health. There are several
methods used for mosquito control:
 Source Reduction: This method involves eliminating or modifying mosquito breeding sites. It
includes removing standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs, such as in old tires,
buckets, and clogged gutters.
 Biological Control: This method involves using natural predators of mosquitoes to control their
population.
 Chemical Control: Insecticides are commonly used to control adult mosquito populations.
These can be applied through fogging or spraying in affected areas.
 Genetic Control: Genetic modification techniques such as the release of sterile male
mosquitoes have been explored as a method to reduce mosquito populations. When sterile
males mate with wild females, no offspring result, leading to a decrease in the overall
population.
 Community Engagement: Educating communities about personal protection measures such as
using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using bed nets can help reduce
exposure to mosquitoes and prevent disease transmission.
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10. Mosquito Control.....
 Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM combines multiple control methods to manage
mosquito populations effectively while minimizing environmental impact.
 Traps: Various types of traps are used to capture and kill mosquitoes. These include light traps,
gravid traps (designed to attract egg-laying females), and carbon dioxide-baited traps.
 Larviciding: This involves applying larvicides to water sources where mosquito larvae develop.
These substances target the immature stages of mosquitoes before they become biting adults.
 Sterilization Techniques: In addition to genetic control methods, other sterilization techniques
such as the use of radiation have been studied as potential tools for reducing mosquito
populations.
 Environmental Management: Modifying the environment to make it less conducive to
mosquito breeding can be an effective long-term strategy for controlling mosquito populations.
Reference;
• “Mosquitoes” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• “Mosquito Biology and Control” by the World Health Organization (WHO)
• Mosquitoes: Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution of Culicidae
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