Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Prevention Is the Cure for Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika Viruses

Abstract

Arboviruses diseases, especially dengue, chikungunya and Zika are responsible for millions of human sickness and a significant number of deaths worldwide. There is no effective treatment and cure available for these arboviral diseases. These diseases are transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. They are highly anthropophilic, container-inhabiting and diurnal mosquitoes surviving in peridomestic habitats. The management of dengue, chikungunya and Zika diseases mainly depends on vector management, but the habit and habitats of these mosquitoes make their management difficult. The present chapter mainly has three major sections: (1) mosquito, viruses, interrelationships and disease treatment, (2) vector management and (3) novel approaches for vector management and disease transmission inhibition. The first aspect includes the relationship of mosquitoes with arboviruses, vector competency and the treatments of arbovirus diseases involving vaccine developments with future aspects. The next section deals with mosquito biology, surveillance and control strategies for eggs, larvae, pupae and adults stages using the conventional and advanced methods to develop an integrated approach for effective vector management. This section also elaborates the environmental management, biological and insecticidal controls of different stages of mosquitoes. The last segment of the chapter discusses the efficacy and applicability of novel technologies for multiple stages of Aedes mosquito control which includes autodissemination technology, Wolbachia-based cytoplasmic incompatibility, sterile insect techniques and the release of insects carrying a dominant lethal gene (RIDL) that can be a potential tool in the future to restrict disease transmission. The human behaviour alteration to avoid mosquito biting and methods applicable for personal protection has been discussed in the chapter. Based on the discussion, the prevention of the transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika is the only cure in the present scenario.