Dengue: Mosquitoes can also bite through clothing

Brazil has already broken the historical record of dengue cases in 2024 and the scenario could worsen further in the coming weeks. As if that wasn’t enough, an experiment conducted by the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), in Minas Gerais, shows that the Aedes a Egypti mosquito can also bite through clothing.

The study was developed by the institute’s Biometics Research Center (Nupeb) and indicates that even under fabrics female mosquitoes can bite due to the size of their mouthparts. In addition to dengue, Aedes a Egypti can transmit chikungunya and zika viruses.

This insect, this female, has the ability to feed even when we are wearing clothes, because it has long mouthparts. And, in contact with the tissue that’s on the skin, she can pass her mouthparts through clothing, that tissue, and she can feed on the blood.

Joziana Barçante, coordinator of Nupeb, at the Federal University of Lavras

The tests were carried out with pristine, laboratory-bred mosquitoes. The researchers’ conclusion indicates that the application of the repellent should be done before and after putting on clothes. The information comes from G1.

When it comes to repellent, undoubtedly passing under uncovered areas is the most important thing, since this is what attracts the female insect the most. But since we know that even by wearing clothes this insect will be attracted, it is important that before putting on the shirt and trousers, we apply the repellent on the body and, as soon as we run out of the repellent, we put on our usual clothes to avoid even a little more contact with the insect.

Joziana Barçante, coordinator of Nupeb, at the Federal University of Lavras

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Source: Olhar Digital