Aedes mosquito bites more often in hot weather

A dengue expert said the lack of water makes them more aggressive.

KUALA LUMPUR: A dengue expert has warned that the Aedes mosquitoes love the hot and dry weather and become more aggressive.

Prof Dr Sazaly Abu Bakar, who is with the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus Research and Reference at Univer­siti Malaya, said the lack of water makes the mosquitoes more aggressive.

“They will breed and grow faster although their life-cycle will be shorter and they will bite more often,” he warned.

He said many people would leave the doors and windows open in the hot weather, enabling mosquitoes to enter their homes more easily.

“They should protect themselves by putting mesh screens over doors and windows,” he said.

Sazaly said there had been a spike in dengue cases at the Universiti Malaya Specialist Centre, with about 300 recorded per week last month, similar to the peak in cases recorded in March.

He advised people to stay indoors during dusk and dawn and use mosquito repellent when outdoors.

“People should wear light-coloured clothing as dark colours attract mosquitoes,” he added.