UAE residents have been urged to be alert to the dangers posed by mosquitoes, following recent wet weather that has created ideal conditions for the insects to thrive.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention warned that a larger number of mosquitoes in the Emirates can increase the risk of disease transmission.
Their numbers increase after periods of rain and UAE residents have noted a rise after the heavy downpours this month.
The authority highlighted that control measures are a fundamental pillar of public health protection and all bites should be taken seriously.
Stagnant water is a breeding habitat, with pest controllers looking to prevent the spread of mosquitoes by installing smart traps that use carbon dioxide and a chemical that replicates human scent.
In an awareness message posted on X, the authority outlined a series of steps that can be taken to ease symptoms after being bitten.
These include avoiding scratching the bite area, applying an ice pack and using antihistamines or anti-itch cream.
The ministry also urged residents to seek medical advice if unusual or concerning symptoms develop, such as fever, severe headaches, or persistent body aches.
Seeking early medical attention and taking caution is particularly important when symptoms go beyond mild irritation, with prevention the most effective line of defence, the authority added.
It also called on the public to help limit mosquito breeding by eliminating stagnant water and adhering to recommended preventive measures.
Protecting the community
Muhammad Manqoosh, managing director of Nagina Pest Control in Al Qusais, Dubai, said he had noticed a particular increase in mosquito numbers in small shops and residential areas in Deira, Al Quoz and Al Qusais.
“People are not aware that remaining stagnant water is the best environment for mosquito breeding,” he told The National.
His company covers communities in Dubai, offering thermal fogging using organic compounds and diesel fumes to treat mosquito populations.
“People want to use fogging especially when they are using their external areas for gatherings,” he added. "They don’t want to install traps as it attracts mosquitoes. But first we need to identify where the breeding areas are.”
He said the heaviest demand for mosquito control is in villa communities with gardens. “People can protect their homes by checking anywhere with stagnant water like the water drops from AC units,” he added.
However, Mr Manqoosh said he was actually expecting more calls to drive out mosquito populations after the recent rainfall.
“Last year, we received many calls after the flooding and rainfall,” he said. "This year I also received calls but it wasn't the same. I think it's because a lot of people are outside the country for Christmas and New Year."
Record rainfall
A rise in mosquito numbers was also reported in April last year, when the UAE experienced its largest single day of rainfall since records began in 1949.
Data from the National Centre of Meteorology showed 254mm of rain fell in one area of Al Ain in a 24-hour period – the equivalent of about two years' worth of rainfall in the UAE – on April 16, 2024.
The country was hit by heavy rain and thunderstorms several times that month, resulting in severe flooding and leaving stagnant water in numerous places.
Hospitals in Dubai reported an increase in cases of dengue fever, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
While cases remain rare, the most common symptoms are a high fever of 40ºC, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, mild nosebleeds and a skin rash.
Pregnant women, the young and elderly, or those with existing health problems are more likely to suffer from worse symptoms.
