Dubai Municipality has recently initiated comprehensive plans and programs to tackle mosquito proliferation, aiming to limit their spread and prevent the conditions that facilitate their reproduction. These efforts employ chemical, physical, and biological control methods.
Dermatology Clinics Witnessing Increased Cases
Doctors have confirmed that dermatology clinics are frequently visited by patients suffering from mosquito-related issues, highlighting the necessity of using creams and other preventive measures to mitigate these effects. They emphasized that the bite of a female mosquito can transmit diseases through blood, in addition to causing skin conditions that often require medical intervention.
Swimming pools, in particular, were pointed out as potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes if not treated chemically, necessitating regular maintenance to prevent such environments from attracting these pests.
In more detail, Dubai Municipality stated that its specialized teams are working tirelessly around the clock to combat mosquitoes in all areas of the emirate, including residential, commercial, industrial zones, and public markets, as well as water bodies, parks, and water drain sites. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance the public health system and ensure proactive protection and prevention, maintaining an environment free from disease-carrying pests.
Preventive Measures Dissemination
To support these measures, the municipality has provided guidelines and requirements to contracting companies, emphasizing the need to implement insect control measures through approved public pest control services. This initiative included field visits to construction sites to review the measures and control programs in place. The municipality also stressed adherence to preventive measures disseminated via social media, such as monitoring water leaks from taps, air conditioners, and refrigerators, using appropriate window nets to prevent mosquito entry, and eliminating stagnant water accumulations in swimming pools, agricultural vessels, and barrels.
Preventive measures highlighted by the municipality include the removal of water pools around homes, stagnant water in fountains and swimming pools, and addressing water leaks from taps used to irrigate plants. They also urged the disposal of damaged barrels and old tires where water can accumulate, ensuring that animal drinking water is replenished and that window grilles are intact. Moreover, covering water tanks and sewage manholes is essential to prevent mosquito breeding.
Dr. Ibrahim Galadari, a consultant and professor of dermatology at the College of Medicine at UAE University, noted that dermatology clinics have recently seen an increase in patients with mosquito-related issues. He pointed out that female mosquito bites are particularly dangerous as they can transmit diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, in addition to causing skin problems like allergies, spots, and granules that require medical treatment.
Family medicine and occupational health consultant, Dr. Mansour Anwar Habib, echoed these concerns, stating that dermatology clinics receive cases of patients affected by mosquito bites daily. He stressed that the most significant health risk posed by mosquitoes is their ability to transmit diseases like dengue fever and cause skin issues such as spots, redness, and allergies. He advocated for preventive measures, including closing windows and entrances through which mosquitoes might enter and eliminating any standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
Dr. Habib also recommended using mosquito repellents, ointments, and creams to protect the skin and seeking immediate medical treatment for mosquito bites by consulting a specialist.