Are you a mosquito magnet?

Brut India

Ever wondered why one of the world’s deadliest bugs is obsessed with some people more? Here's the buzz to stay bite-free.

Transcript

00:00Only 20% of the population is the preferred target of mosquitoes, according to laboratory

00:06studies.

00:07But contrary to popular beliefs, having mosquito-prone skin is a myth.

00:11Let me explain why mosquitoes are only targeting you.

00:15There are around 3,500 mosquito species in the world, spread across all continents with

00:21the exception of Antarctica.

00:23Mosquitoes spot their prey using the CO2 that they exhale.

00:27They can detect the person from 50 meters away.

00:33People who are overweight emit more CO2, making them more prone to bites.

00:37Likewise, pregnant women are almost two times more likely to be bitten than average.

00:43Mosquitoes are also drawn to certain smells, especially sweat.

00:47So we are more likely to be bitten after doing exercise.

00:50The smells that attract them also depend on one's body temperature, the bacteria on

00:55our skin, and our genes.

00:57But these factors vary from one type of mosquito to the next.

01:01For example, Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes prefer the smell of our hands and feet.

01:07These mosquitoes also choose their targets based on blood type.

01:10A study found that mosquitoes landed on individuals with type O blood nearly twice as often as

01:16those with type A blood.

01:18People with type B blood fell somewhere in between the spectrum.

01:25Another factor that attracts mosquitoes is beer.

01:28But what does alcohol have to do with mosquito bites?

01:32In one experiment, researchers in Japan got a group of volunteers to drink a beer and

01:37then exposed them to mosquitoes.

01:39It was found that those who drank were bitten more than the control group.

01:44According to researchers, it might have happened because alcohol raises the body temperature

01:48of drinkers and makes them sweat more, both known to attract mosquitoes.

01:57The color of your clothing can also influence mosquito attraction.

02:02Research has shown that mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, particularly black.

02:06But the exact reason for this preference is not well understood.

02:10But how can a mosquito's bite be dangerous to a human being?

02:14Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest animals on the planet.

02:17They act as vectors for diseases such as malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, yellow fever, Zika,

02:23chikungunya and lymphatic filariasis, which together kill more people in the world than

02:29any other creature.

02:30As of 30 April 2024, India registered more than 19,000 confirmed cases of dengue.

02:36Zika virus has also become a public health concern in India.

02:40The Centre has issued an advisory to all states considering the rising Zika cases in Maharashtra,

02:45asking for constant visual and focus on pregnant women who have tested positive for the infection.

02:51So how can you protect yourself from these annoying bugs?

02:54Avoid shady or overgrown outdoor spaces and wet or moist areas as mosquitoes are more

03:00prevalent in such places.

03:02Use extra protection during evenings and mornings when mosquitoes are most active.

03:07Use an insect repellent and wear shoes, socks, long pants or a long-sleeved shirt to avoid

03:13mosquito bites.

03:14Reduce the amount of stagnant water available in or near your house to prevent mosquito

03:19breeding.

03:20Ensure your windows and doors have tight-fitting screens to prevent mosquito entry.

03:25Using a mosquito net is especially helpful.

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