Mosquito-borne diseases surge as experts urge protections; tips to avoid bites

Mosquito-borne diseases have surged to record levels this year, with West Nile Virus infections up about 40 percent to roughly 770 cases, many of them severe. In Florida, local transmission of dengue fever has been recorded for the second consecutive year. International health authorities have raised alarms about a chikungunya outbreak in China that prompted a travel warning aimed at preventing its spread to the United States. Separately, health officials caution that malaria is reemerging in parts of South America, renewing concerns that the disease could reappear in the United States if conditions allow. Experts say the United States faces a growing risk as mosquito populations expand and travel patterns resume pre-pandemic levels.

Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, said researchers have observed the mosquito population spreading northward from the South, describing a situation in which “the mosquito pool slowly moving up the East Coast” increases the chance of transmission in new locations. “This is of concern, as they transmit infections, and if they transmit infections to people in these locations, people need to be aware of the diseases and how to get treated for them.”

To help reduce bites, experts advocate a suite of prevention strategies. Foremost is the use of mosquito repellents containing DEET, which Dr. Nachman said is effective against both mosquitoes and ticks. For children, she recommends applying repellent to clothing rather than directly to the skin to prevent skin contact during play or after getting wet. For adults, she advised applying the spray to exposed areas such as the neck, face, arms, legs and ankles, and reapplying every few hours as needed. Dr. Louisa Messenger, an environment and global health expert in Nevada, noted that products containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535 can all be effective and emphasized that these chemicals work by masking human odors that lure mosquitoes. Experts also advised applying repellents at dawn and dusk, when outdoor mosquito activity peaks. While some people question the safety of these chemicals, researchers cited by the Doctors noted that the compounds have demonstrated safety for human use when used as directed. They cautioned against relying on unproven home remedies such as certain foods or herbs that have not been EPA-approved.

Beyond chemical repellents, some households consider alternative devices. Zappers use ultraviolet light to attract and kill mosquitoes with an electric shock, and traps use human-like pheromones to lure and capture insects away from people. Dr. Messenger said these methods can help, but effectiveness varies by local mosquito populations, and traps are unlikely to eliminate all mosquitoes from a given area. Individuals should position traps away from gathering spots and place zappers where people congregate, while keeping expectations realistic about overall bite reduction.

For those seeking non-spray options, topical products such as lotions and wipes offer another avenue for protection. Experts cautioned that while these products can provide short-term relief, their duration is uncertain and reapplication may be necessary. Dr. Nachman noted that applying repellent to exposed skin remains one of the most reliable defenses against bites, while Dr. Messenger added that consumer lotions and wipes can be effective as part of a broader prevention plan.

Home prevention also centers on reducing mosquito breeding sites and entry points to living spaces. Dr. Nachman highlighted the importance of emptying containers that collect standing water — an activity that can dramatically reduce local mosquito populations, since even tiny amounts of water can sustain breeding. Other measures include installing net screens on doors and windows and using air conditioning in the evening, which makes indoor conditions less favorable to mosquitoes by reducing humidity and activity inside homes.

The surge in mosquito-borne diseases underscores the need for layered protection, combining personal repellents with environmental controls. Public health officials advise travelers to stay informed about local outbreaks and to take preventive steps when visiting regions with known transmission. While the Daily Mail article from which these tips are drawn includes guidance and product recommendations, the overarching message remains clear: reducing mosquito exposure requires both personal practices and community-level action to curb breeding sites and limit bite opportunities.