written by Yaimie López
2020 has brought us what many have long feared: a pandemic. The Covid-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has most of the world’s population in quarantine and in great fear. The numbers of infected people are increasing and there is a perceived global uncertainty. However, we should not forget that there are other diseases just as severe that continue to be transmitted silently, and possibly cause more damage than Covid-19.
Guatemala is a country with many infectious diseases that affect a large part of the population. By the week of 16-22 February 2020, the country’s Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance reported more than 2,176 cases of arbovirosis (dengue, chikungunya and Zika). In 2019, there was a significant increase in dengue cases nationwide, with up to 50,449 cases reported (followed by 2014, with 19,863 cases). This is an increase of almost six times compared to 2018.
Comparing the same week (February 16-22) in 2020 with that of 2019, we see that 2,176 cases have been reported in 2020 while 1,305 cases were reported in 2019. This is not a good prognosis for what may come. The fact that we are all at home complying with Covid-19 prevention measures may increase the risk of arbovirosis.
Diseases transmitted by the mosquito Aedes (dengue, chikungunya, Zika) are community diseases. The Aedes mosquitoes, daytime-biting species, have made our homes their habitat. They breed in domestic containers such as laundry sinks, water barrels, pet water containers or any other container with standing water. The mosquito has a flight range between 50m-800m, which means that it can move between neighbouring houses and spread viruses quickly. Although they have a fairly wide flight range, mosquitoes are usually concentrated in a single area (average 80m). At this time of quarantine, when people are inside their homes, the possibility of mosquito bites increases considerably, since mosquitoes feed and rest inside the houses.
But we can all help reduce this risk
We can make sure that as much light as possible enters the houses, shake the clothes in the closet, since it is a resting place, and use personal protection measures such as a repellent to avoid bites. Any container that can store water must be removed, as it will be a breeding ground for these mosquitoes.
In containers that have stored water, it is best to scrub the walls to remove the eggs. The eggs can stop growing for several months when the water is removed. When the water is returned, the embryo reactivates and continues to grow. Another way to eliminate mosquito breeding sites is to cover the water containers (after cleaning them, of course), turn over objects that can collect water, change the water for the pets (after cleaning the container), and clean your flower vases.
Let’s not let the Covid-19 emergency blind us to other diseases that are definitely not in quarantine.
Cover image from the author.
References:
- Ministerio de Salud Pública y Asistencia Social de Guatemala. 2020. Situación Epidemiológica de las Arbovirosis en Guatemala . Departamento de Epidemiología. Disponible en: http://epidemiologia.mspas.gob.gt/files/2020/salassituacionales/arbovirosis/SE082020.pdf
- Brown H., Cox J., Comrie A., Barrera R. 2017. Habitat and Density of Oviposition Opportunity Influences Aedes aegypti (Diptea: Culicidade) Flight Distance. Journal Of Medical Entomology, 54(5): 1385-1389.
- Alves N., da Costa W., Leite P., Gonçalves J., Lounibos, L., Lourenço-de-Oliveira R., 2003. Dispersal of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Urban Endemic Dengue Area in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz 98(2): Mar 2003.
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