In Which Season Mosquitoes Are More in India?
WouterDepending on the mosquito species, the breeding season may differ between seasons. In India, the mosquito season can span over the summer months. The mosquito life cycle is accelerated by warm temperatures.
In March, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) found that the mosquito density in the city was nine times higher than usual. An SDMC official attributed the increase to a sudden increase in temperatures.
The municipal entomologists also found that the number of mosquitoes was 50% higher than last year. The city has also been sprayed with insecticides on public drains and other water bodies.
Some of the mosquitoes detected were of the Culex genus, which does not transmit malaria, but does cause skin irritation. Several other species are active, however, including Aedes aegypti, whose bites spread Zika.
In the past few years, India has made significant strides in reducing the prevalence of malaria. Malaria prevention efforts include treating water to kill the mosquito larvae and developing new drugs. But the threat of malaria is still present in many parts of the country.
The SDMC analyzed the mosquito density by counting positive breeding cases between January 1 and March 27. It found that the South zone had the highest density. In addition, it found that the number of positive breeding cases was three times higher than the North zone. The East zone recorded 250 cases.
In addition to the above, the city’s public health department also found that the largest number of mosquito breeding sites was in peri-domestic water storage containers. These containers account for about 38 percent of all breeding sites.
