The biologist spoke about diseases carried by mosquitoes in Russia

Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous vectors of diseases in the history of mankind. More than 600,000 people die every year from the infections they carry, that is, about five people every minute. Anton Moskaev, Associate Professor of the Department of General Biology and Bioecology at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the State University of Education, told Izvestia on July 4.

Earlier, the media reported that the first case of dirofilariasis, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, was recorded in Crimea this year.

Moskaev explained that dirofilariasis is caused by parasitic worms of the genus Dirofilaria, which usually infect dogs and cats.

"Humans are an accidental host for these parasites. The larvae are transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects, after which they can grow up to 30 cm in length, most often localized in the organs of vision. The main treatment method is surgical removal of the parasite," the biologist shared.

It is possible to protect yourself from dirofilariasis prophylactically: in spring and autumn, deworming of domestic dogs and cats is carried out. When going out into nature and in the countryside, it is better to use protective clothing, repellents, and install mosquito nets on windows and doors.

The biologist warned that dirofilariasis is widespread in Central Asia and the Middle East, as well as in Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. On the territory of Russia, it occurs in the southern regions: Krasnodar Territory, Rostov, Volgograd, Astrakhan regions, Crimea. Isolated cases of dirofilariasis have been reported in the Moscow, Tula, Ryazan regions, the Urals and Siberia.

"Although cases of dirofilariasis are rare in Russia, residents of the southern regions should be especially attentive during the mosquito season," Moskaev emphasizes.

However, Russia is home to more than 100 species of mosquitoes, many of which are capable of carrying a huge number of viral or infectious diseases, ranging from West Nile fever, dirofilariasis, tularemia and ending with malaria. In addition, new viral fevers are discovered almost every year.

However, according to the expert, there are almost no pandemics of these diseases in Russia, and most cases of specific people's diseases are attributed to tourists from other countries.

On June 20, Izvestia wrote that there should be anti-allergic drugs in the home medicine cabinet. They may be needed for acute reactions to foods, insect bites, contact with allergens, or seasonal hay fever.