YES MOSQUITOES AND OTHER INSECTS

PREFER SOME PEOPLE MORE THAN OTHERS

Youre trying your best to enjoy an evening cookout, but a constant
swarm of mosquitoes follows you from grill to poolside. The threat? A
pierce to your skin, leaving behind an itchy red welt and possibly even a
serious illness. As you swat madly at the pests, you notice that others
seem completely unfazed. Could it be that mosquitoes prefer to bite some
people over others?
The short answer is yes. Mosquitoes do exhibit blood-sucking
preferences, say the experts. "One in 10 people are highly attractive to
mosquitoes," reports Jerry Butler, PhD, professor emeritus at the
University of Florida. But it's not dinner they're sucking out of you.
Female mosquitoes -- males do not bite people -- need human blood to
develop fertile eggs. And apparently, not just anyone's will do.
WHO MOSQUITOES LIKE BEST
Although researchers have yet to pinpoint what mosquitoes consider an
ideal hunk of human flesh, the hunt is on. "There's a tremendous amount
of research being conducted on what compounds and odours people
exude that might be attractive to mosquitoes," says Joe Conlon, PhD,
technical advisor to the American Mosquito Control Association. With 400
different compounds to examine, it's an extremely laborious process.
"Researchers are just beginning to scratch the surface," he says.
Scientists do know that genetics account for a whopping 85% of our
susceptibility to mosquito bites. They've also identified certain elements
of our body chemistry that, when found in excess on the skin's surface,
make mosquitoes swarm closer.
"People with high concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on their skin
surface attract mosquitoes," Butler tells WebMD. That doesn't necessarily
mean that mosquitoes prey on people with higher overall levels of
cholesterol, Butler explains. These people simply may be more efficient at
processing cholesterol, the by-products of which remain on the skin's
surface.

[2]

Mosquitoes also target people who produce excess amounts of certain

acids, such as uric acid, explains entomologist John Edman, PhD,
spokesman for the Entomological Society of America.
These substances can trigger mosquitoes' sense of smell, luring them to
land on unsuspecting victims.
But the process of attraction begins long before the landing. Mosquitoes
can smell their dinner from an impressive distance of up to 50 meters,
explains Edman. This doesn't bode well for people who emit large
quantities of carbon dioxide.
"Any type of carbon dioxide is attractive, even over a long distance,"
Conlon says. Larger people tend to give off more carbon dioxide, which is
why mosquitoes typically prefer munching on adults to small children.
Pregnant women are also at increased risk, as they produce a greaterthan-normal amount of exhaled carbon dioxide. Movement and heat also
attract mosquitoes.
So if you want to avoid an onslaught of mosquito bites at your next
outdoor gathering, stake out a chaise lounge rather than a spot on the
volleyball team. Here's why. As you run around the volleyball court, the
mosquitoes sense your movement and head toward you. When you pant
from exertion, the smell of carbon dioxide from your heavy breathing
draws them closer. So does the lactic acid from your sweat glands.
With a long track record -- mosquitoes have been around for 170 million
years; and more than 175 known species, these shrewd summertime
pests clearly aren't going to disappear any time soon. But you can
minimize their impact.
CHEMICAL BASED MOSQUITOES REPELLLENTS: Keep the Bite at Bay
Plenty of mosquito repellents line the shelves of drugstores and
supermarkets each summer, but they're not all created equally. The
majority of available mosquito repellents derive their effectiveness from
chemicals. Protecting the public from mosquitoes since 1957, DEET
continues to be the chemical of choice used in repellents. In repeated
studies, it's been proven the most effective chemical repellent on the
market. Repellents with 23.8% DEET (most formulas contain between
10% and 30%) protect wearers for about five hours, according to a study
led by Mark Fradin, PhD, a researcher with Chapel Hill Dermatology.

[3]

Just how safe is it to coat yourself in DEET to keep from getting bitten by
mosquitoes? "[DEET] has been in use for over 40 years and has a
remarkable safety record. Only few hospitalizations have been reported,
mainly due to gross overuse," Conlon tells WebMD.
The American Academy of Paediatrics states that low concentrations of
DEET (10% or less) are safe to use on infants over 2 months old.
DEET, though the most well-known, isnt the only chemical used in
mosquito repellents.
In 2005, the CDC began recommending alternatives to DEET for repelling
mosquitoes. Picaridin, fairly new to the U.S., has been used worldwide
since 1998. Marketed as Cutter Advanced, picaridin has proven to be as
effective as DEET but is said to be more pleasant to use because it is
odourless and contains a light, clean feel. Picaridin is safe for children
older than 2 months.
The chemical IR3535, better known as Avon's Skin-So-Soft, also has been
marketed as a mosquito repellent in the U.S. in recent years. To date,
research shows it's much less effective than DEET.
Then theres metofluthrin. This new chemical, approved by the EPA in
2006 as a mosquito repellent, is selling like hotcakes, Conlon tells
WebMD. Sold as DeckMate Mosquito Repellent, its available in two forms.
As a paper strip, you place it in outdoor areas like patios and decks. You
can also wear it. As a personal repellent product, it comes in a small
container with a replaceable cartridge. Clipped onto a belt or clothing, it
relies on a battery-powered fan to release the mosquito repellent into the
area, surrounding and protecting the wearer. It is not applied to the skin.
ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICAL-BASED MOSQUITOES REPELLENTS
If you want to avoid chemical-based repellents altogether, a few
promising alternatives do exist.
"Of the products we tested, the soybean oil-based repellent was able to
protect from mosquito bites for about 1.5 hours," Fradin reports. He and
fellow researchers found other oils, such as citronella, cedar, peppermint,
lemongrass, and geranium, which provide short-lived protection at best.

[4]

Oil of eucalyptus products, however, may offer longer-lasting protection,

preliminary studies show. Endorsed by the CDC, oil of lemon eucalyptus is
available under the Repel brand name and offers protection similar to low
concentrations of DEET. Lemon eucalyptus is safe for children older than 3
years.
In the last few years, nonchemical repellents worn as skin patches and
containing thiamine (vitamin B1) have arrived in some big-box stores
under the name Dont Bite Me!
The science behind this repellent comes from a study done in the 1960s.
It showed that thiamine (B1) produces a skin odour, female mosquitoes
don't like. But no other studies have confirmed thiamine's effectiveness
as a mosquito repellent when worn on the skin. Chari Kauffmann,
president of the company that sells skin patch called Dont Bite Me!, says
studies on the product are ongoing, though the company has no
conclusions to report.
DRIVING MOSQUITOES AWAY

Hate to spray or slather yourself with any

product, either chemical, or plant-based,
but want to prevent mosquitoes from
landing on you?
Mosquito traps, a relatively new product,
may be the answer. They work by
emitting
substances
that
biting
mosquitoes find attractive -- such as
carbon dioxide, heat, moisture, and other
mosquito-friendly byproducts.

They attract, then trap or kill female mosquitoes. When placed

strategically near breeding spots, "they have knocked [mosquito]
populations down," Conlon tells WebMD.
One new fad in mosquito protection doubles as a fashion statement. Its
insect shield repellent apparel -- clothing infused with the chemical
insecticide permethrin. Marketed as a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts,
Conlon says the military has used this method for several years. I wore
them in the jungles of South Africa; I would recommend them to anyone
going out into the woods, he tells WebMD.

[5]

Take time to look at the big picture in your yard, that is. Its part of a
process that Greg Baumann, senior scientist with the National Pest
Management Association Inc., calls integrated pest management, and it
involves identifying invasive pests in your surroundings and taking
corrective actions against them. This means finding and eliminating
standing water, which serves as an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Clogged gutters, the crevices of plastic toys, garbage cans, rain barrels
without screened covers, and bird baths are some of the biggest
neighbourhood breeding grounds, Baumann says.
Blood type, metabolism, exercise, shirt colour and even drinking beer can
make individuals especially attractive to mosquitoes.
You come in from a summer hike covered with itchy red mosquito bites,
only to have your friends innocently proclaim that they dont have any. Or
you wake up from a night of camping to find your ankles and wrists
aflame with bites, while your tentmates are unscathed.
Youre not alone. An estimated 20 percent of people, it turns out, is
especially delicious for mosquitoes, and gets bit more often on a
consistent basis. And while scientists dont yet have a cure for the
ailment, other than preventing bites with insect repellent (which, weve
recently discovered, some mosquitoes can become immune to over time),
they do have a number of ideas regarding why some of us are more prone
to bites than others. Here are some of the factors that could play a role:
TYPE OF BLOOD
Not
surprisinglysince,
after
all,
mosquitoes bite us to harvest proteins
from our bloodresearch shows that
they find certain blood types more
appetizing than others. One study
found that in a controlled setting,
mosquitoes landed on people with Type
O blood nearly twice as often as those
with Type A.
People with Type B blood fell somewhere in the middle of this itchy
spectrum. Additionally, based on other genes, about 85 percent of people
secrete a chemical signal through their skin that indicates which blood
type they have, while 15 percent do not, and mosquitoes are also more
attracted to secretors than nonsecretors regardless of which type they
are.
[6]

CARBON DIOXIDE

One of the key ways mosquitoes locate

their targets is by smelling the carbon
dioxide emitted in their breaththey use
an organ called a maxillary palp to do
this, and can detect carbon dioxide from
as far as 164 feet away.

As a result, people who simply exhale more of the gas over time
generally, larger peoplehave been shown to attract more mosquitoes
than others. This is one of the reasons why children get bit less often than
adults, on the whole.
EXERCISE AND METABOLISM
In
addition
to
carbon
dioxide,
mosquitoes find victims at closer range
by smelling the lactic acid, uric acid,
ammonia and other substances expelled
via their sweat, and are also attracted
to
people
with
higher
body
temperatures.

Because strenuous exercise increases the buildup of lactic acid and heat
in your body, it likely makes you stand out to the insects. Meanwhile,
genetic factors influence the amount of uric acid and other substances
naturally emitted by each person, making some people more easily found
by mosquitoes than others.

[7]

SKIN BACTERIA

Other research has suggested that the

particular types and volume of bacteria
that naturally live on human skin affect
our attractiveness to mosquitoes. In a
2011 study, scientists found that having
large amounts of a few types of bacteria
made
skin
more
appealing
to
mosquitoes. Surprisingly, though, having
lots of bacteria but spread among a
greater diversity of different species of
bacteria seemed to make skin less
attractive. Mosquitoes dont like dirty
skin.

This also might be why mosquitoes are especially prone to biting our
ankles and feetthey naturally have more robust bacteria colonies.
BEER DRINKERS
Just a single 12-ounce bottle of beer
can make you more attractive to the
insects, one study found. But even
though researchers had suspected this
was because drinking increases the
amount of ethanol excreted in sweat,
or
because
it
increases
body
temperature, neither of these factors
were found to correlate with mosquito
landings, making their affinity for
drinkers something of a mystery.
PREGNANCY
In several different studies, pregnant
women have been found to attract
roughly twice as many mosquito bites as
others, likely a result of the fact the
unfortunate confluence of two factors:
They exhale about 21 percent more
carbon dioxide and are on average about
1.26 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than
others.
[8]

CLOTHING COLOUR
This one might seem absurd, but
mosquitoes use vision (along with
scent) to locate humans, so wearing
colors that stand out (black, dark blue
or red) may make you easier to find, at
least according to James Day, a medical
entomologist at the University of
Florida, in commentary he gave to NBC.
GENETICS
As a whole, underlying genetic factors
are estimated to account for 85 percent
of the variability between people in
their attractiveness to mosquitoes
regardless of whether its expressed
through blood type, metabolism, or
other factors. Unfortunately, we dont
(yet) have a way of modifying these
genes.
NATURAL REPELLANTS
Some researchers have started looking
at the reasons why minorities of people
seem to rarely attract mosquitoes in the
hopes of creating the next generation of
insect repellants.
Using chromatography to isolate the
particular chemicals these people emit,
scientists at the UKs Rothamsted
Research lab have found that these
natural repellers tend to excrete a
handful of substances that mosquitoes
dont
seem
to
find
appealing.
Eventually,
incorporating
these
Some researchers have started looking at the reasons why a minority of
people seem to rarely attract mosquitoes in the hopes of creating the next
generation of insect repellants.
[9]

Using chromatography to isolate the particular chemicals these people

emit, scientists at the UKs Rothamsted Research lab have found that
these natural repellers tend to excrete a handful of substances that
mosquitoes dont seem to find appealing. Eventually, incorporating these
molecules into advanced bug spray could make it possible for even a Type
O, exercising, pregnant woman in a black shirt to ward off mosquitoes for
good.
LIME

Bearing
the
scientific
name,
Citrus
Aurantifolio, lime has been around for
centuries and is still considered one of the
most beneficial vegetables when it comes
to its natural benefits and curative
properties. Since lime contains natural
antioxidants, this citrus vegetable (which
is not to be confused with the lemon)
clears the body of free radicals, thus
increasing the pH levels of ones body
making them lead a healthier and
energetic life and free of disease.

Lime has been known to have certain medicinal properties for a long time
now, and here is a list of diseases or medical conditions that it deal with
effectively: Common Cold-If you are allergic to citrus fruits, a glass of
lime juice prepared with warm water along with a tablespoon of honey is
ideal not only for a dry cough and cold but it also ideal for fevers as well
because of the healing properties of Vitamin C.
DIGESTIVE DISORDERS
Bilious vomiting, indigestion and acidity are common health issue that
people face, and a combination of lime and an equal quantity of honey is
effective in the treatment of these disorders. Due to the presence of
flavonoids in lime, this substance stimulates the digestive system to
produce the juices that will ensure smooth digestion.
OBESITY
If one drinks a glass of honey and lime with water (yet again), this has
benefits in weight reduction as the citric acid in lime works as an
excellent fat-burner. If you have two glasses a day, the benefits will be
obvious in a weeks time.
[10]

EYE CARE
Lime has anti-oxidant properties (Vitamin C) that protect the eyes from
aging as well as macular degeneration while the flavonoids protect the
eyes from infections.
SKIN CARE
The combination of Vitamin C and flavonoids that are present in lime has
a lot of positive benefits for lime, regardless of whether it is applied
externally or orally ingested. Not only does it keep the skin shining but it
also rejuvenates the skin while reducing body odour and protecting it
from infections. When applied on skin, it removes dead skin while also
curing dandruff, rashes and bruises as well.
GARLIC
Garlic is an herb. It is best known as a
flavoring for food. But over the years,
garlic has been used as a medicine to
prevent or treat a wide range of
diseases and conditions. The fresh
clove or supplements made from the
clove are used for medicine.

Garlic is used for many conditions related to the heart and blood system.
These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary
heart disease, heart attack, and hardening of the arteries
(atherosclerosis). Some of these uses are supported by science. Garlic
actually may be effective in slowing the development of atherosclerosis
and seems to be able to modestly reduce blood pressure.
Some people use garlic to prevent colon cancer, rectal cancer, stomach
cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. It is also used to
treat prostate cancer and bladder cancer.
Garlic has been tried for treating an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic
hyperplasia; BPH), diabetes, osteoarthritis, hayfever (allergic rhinitis),
traveller's diarrhoea, high blood pressure late in pregnancy (preeclampsia), cold and flu. It is also used for building the immune system,
preventing tick bites, and preventing and treating bacterial and fungal
infections.
[11]

Other uses include treatment of fever, coughs, headache, stomach ache,

sinus congestion, gout, rheumatism, haemorrhoids, asthma, bronchitis,
shortness of breath, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, high blood
sugar, and snakebites. It is also used for fighting stress and fatigue, and
maintaining healthy liver function.
Some people apply garlic oil to their skin to treat fungal infections, warts,
and corns. There is some evidence supporting the topical use of garlic for
fungal infections like ringworm, jock itch, and athletes foot; but the
effectiveness of garlic against warts and corns is still uncertain.
There is a lot of variation among garlic products sold for medicinal
purposes. The amount of allicin, the active ingredient and the source of
garlics distinctive odour, depends on the method of preparation. Allicin is
unstable, and changes into a different chemical rather quickly. Some
manufacturers take advantage of this by aging garlic to make it
odourless. Unfortunately, this also reduces the amount of allicin and
compromises the effectiveness of the product. Some odourless garlic
preparations and products may contain very little, if any, allicin. Methods
that involve crushing the fresh clove release more allicin. Some products
have a coating (enteric coating) to protect them against attack by
stomach acids.
While garlic is a common flavouring in food, some scientists have
suggested that it might have a role as a food additive to prevent food
poisoning. There is some evidence that fresh garlic, but not aged garlic,
can kill certain bacteria such as E. coli, antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis in the laboratory.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Garlic produces a chemical called allicin. This is what seems to make
garlic work for certain conditions. Allicin also makes garlic smell. Some
products are made odourless by aging the garlic, but this process can
also make the garlic less effective. Its a good idea to look for
supplements that are coated (enteric coating) so they will dissolve in the
intestine and not in the stomach.

[12]

GINGER
Ginger
has
broad-spectrum
antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant,
and anti-parasitic properties, to name
just several of its more than 40
pharmacological actions.
Ginger is anti-inflammatory, making it
valuable for pain relief for joint pain,
menstrual pain, headaches, and more.
The medicinal uses of ginger have been known for at least 2,000 years in
cultures all around the world. Although it originated in Asia, ginger is
valued in India, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean, among other
regions.
The most commonly used medicinal part of the plant is the rhizome, the
root-like stem that grows underground. It's a rich source of antioxidants
including gingerols, shogaols, zingerones, and more. Ginger actually has
broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-parasitic
properties, to name just several of its more than 40 pharmacological
actions.
Ginger Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties That May Rival Non-Steroidal
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
For instance, ginger (like many natural plant compounds) is antiinflammatory, which makes it a valuable tool for pain relief. In 2001,
research showed that ginger oil helped reduce knee pain in people with
osteoarthritis.
In 2013, a study also found that women athletes taking three grams of
ginger or cinnamon daily (that's less than one teaspoon) had a significant
decrease in muscle soreness.3 Ginger has even been found to be as
effective as ibuprofen in relieving pain from menstrual cramps in women.
The pain-relieving potential of ginger appears to be far-reaching. Along
with help for muscle and joint pain, ginger has been found to reduce the
severity of migraine headaches as well as the migraine medication
Sumatriptan with fewer side effects.

[13]

Another recent study, which was presented at the American Thoracic

Society International Conference, found that adding ginger compounds to
isoproterenol, a type of asthma medication called a beta-agonist,
enhanced
its
bronchodilating
effects.
Because ginger
enhances
bronchodilation, it may provide a much safer alternative, or at least
complement, to current asthma medications on the market.
GINGER SHOWS PROMISE AS A CANCER AND DIABETES FIGHTER
Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties no doubt make it beneficial for
many chronic inflammatory diseases including cancer. Indeed, research
published in the British Journal of Nutrition has demonstrated the in vitro
and in vivo anticancer activity of ginger, suggesting it may be effective in
the management of prostate cancer.
Other research shows it has anti-tumour activity that may help defeat
difficult-to-treat types of cancer, including lung, ovarian, colon, breast,
skin, and pancreatic. Furthermore, because ginger helps prevent the toxic
effects of many substances (including cancer drugs), it may be useful to
take in addition to conventional cancer treatments.
As for diabetes, ginger appears to be useful both preventively and
therapeutically via effects on insulin release and action, and improved
carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
According to one comprehensive review, a clinical trial that was
performed found that after consuming three grams of dry ginger powder
for 30 days, diabetic participants had a significant reduction in blood
glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. It's thought
that ginger has a positive effect on diabetes because it:
Inhibits enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism
Increases insulin release and sensitivity
Improves lipid profiles
Ginger also has also been established to have a protective effect against
diabetes complications, including offering protection to the diabetic's
liver, kidneys, central nervous system, and eyes.

[14]

The Power of Ginger for Nausea, Motion Sickness, and Digestive Upset
No article about ginger would be complete without highlighting its
wonderful use for digestive upsets. It is one of the best natural remedies
if you struggle with motion sickness or nausea (from pregnancy or
chemotherapy, for example), ginger should be a staple in your diet.
GINGER RESEARCH
Taking one gram of ginger daily may help reduce nausea and vomiting in
pregnant women, and ginger has been shown to work better than a
placebo in relieving morning sickness
Daily ginger supplementation reduces the severity of chemotherapyinduced nausea
Ginger may help reduce vomiting and other symptoms of motion sickness.
Ginger is also a must-have if you struggle with indigestion, and it does
more than simply relieve pain. Ginger helps to stimulate the emptying of
your stomach without any negative effects, and it's an antispasmodic
agent, which may explain its beneficial effects on your intestinal tract.
Additionally, ginger inhibits H. pylori, which may help prevent ulcers,
while also protecting gastric mucosa.
HEALTHY HEART AND WEIGHT LOSS
What else is ginger good for? Ginger is a metabolism boosting substance
that may temporarily increase thermogenesis in your body, where your
body burns stored up fat to create heat, with beneficial impacts on overall
metabolism and fat storage. Research suggests that consuming
thermogenic ingredients like ginger may boost your metabolism by up to
5 percent, and increase fat burning by up to 16 percent.
Ginger may even help counteract the decrease in metabolic rate that
often occurs during weight loss. This suggests ginger may be useful for
weight loss, and that's not all. According to research compiled by
GreenMedInfo, ginger may also be useful for: Ginger Tea, Fresh Ginger, or
Extract.

[15]

OTHER WAYS TO USE GINGER

This depends on what you're using the ginger for. If you have a serious
issue, work with an experienced natural health practitioner who can guide
you on proper dosages and forms. For the most potent medicinal
properties, ginger extract may be necessary, although there is also
therapeutic benefit from fresh or even dried ginger.
Many people enjoy ginger tea on a regular basis, and this is one of the
simplest ways to use it. Simply chop off a couple of inches of ginger root
and let it steep in hot water for fresh ginger tea. You can also peel the
root using a paring knife and then slice it thinly (or grate it or mince it) to
add to tea or cooked dishes. You can't go wrong by adding ginger to stir
fries or even your favourite homemade chicken soup.
When left unpeeled, fresh ginger can be stored in your refrigerator for at
least three weeks or in your freezer for six months or longer, making it
incredibly easy to keep on hand. Try experimenting by adding fresh
ginger and other warming spices, like cinnamon, to a cup of tea in the
morning, evening, or after a meal and see if you notice any of the health
benefits I've just described. You can even try mixing a teaspoon of
organic powdered ginger into a gallon of iced tea for added punch and
health potential.
Improving
cognitive
function in middle-aged
women

Protecting
against
respiratory viruses

Reducing vertigo

Enhancing fat digestion

and absorption

Protecting against toxic

effects of environmental
chemicals,
such
as
parabens

Helping
attacks

Relieving arthritis pain

as well as Indomethacin,
an
anti-inflammatory
drug commonly used to
treat it

Preventing and treating

nonalcoholic fatty liver
disease (NAFLD)

Drug-resistant bacterial
and fungal infections

Reducing damage and

memory loss associated
with small stroke

Protecting against the

DNA-damaging effects of
radiation exposure

Fighting
diarrhoea

[16]

prevent

heart

bacterial

ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL

MEDICAL MARVELS
Isopropyl alcohol, more commonly known as
rubbing alcohol, has a number of applications
health care. In the case of preventing
mosquito, insects bites and cold sores,
dabbing a little rubbing alcohol onto affected
areas will dry out the areas, prevents insects
bites, get rid of fruit flies, relieve itchiness
and reduce the cold sore.
WARNING
Isopropyl alcohol known as rubbing alcohol
is mixed with poison (often Methanol) and
bitter-tasting additives to prevent human
consumption -- and avoid the taxes and fees
of a party beverage. As such, it is considered
a "denatured" alcoholic product. In fact, it
can cause death or permanent injury (coma,
blindness, seizures, vomiting, confusion,
slow breathing, pale or bluish skin) if
consumed.

ANTISEPTIC
Isopropyl alcohol is often employed as an antiseptic, and you have likely
had a doctor use it to swab your skin before injections to kill surface
bacteria. It is used to clean minor cuts and abrasions, and to kill any
bacteria that might be in the area in order to prevent bacterial growth.
Astringent
Astringents are substances that can shrink or tighten your body tissues,
like the pores in your skin, when they are applied topically. Isopropyl
alcohol acts as an astringent and is often used in skin tonners and
tightening formulas along with other astringents like witch hazel. It helps
to give your skin a smoother look and make pores less visible. Astringents
also help to stop bleeding in minor cuts and scrapes by tightening up the
capillaries that are losing blood.

[17]

Liniment for Muscle Aches

A liniment is a liquid that can be rubbed over the surface of aching
muscles or painful joints to help reduce pain and swelling. According to
the Columbia Online Encyclopaedia, alcohol is an effective liniment
because it acts as a minor irritant to the skin increasing circulation and
blood flow to the area. This increased circulation helps to ease pain and
inflammation.
ALOE VERA, ALOE, SABILA

Medicinal properties and uses of Aloe

Vera, Aloe or Sabila.
The
Aloe
Vera
or
Sabila
(Aloe
Barbadensis Miller) is a perennial plant
belonging to the lily family.
When we talk about the properties and
uses of aloe vera, always keeping in
mind that we talk about the plant, not
of any commercial preparation. All
home remedies, elaborations, etc. they
have to perform with the gel extract
from the leaves of plants.

I recommend you do one or more plants Aloe Vera and that ecological
Cultivate at home. It's simple; you do not even need to "good hand" with
plants. It is very resistant and can be without major requirements.
Preferably use a clay pot without glaze, and has good drainage. You need
direct sun and it grows well in temperatures between 18 and 25 C.
When cutting the leaves or stalks of the plant, choose those most
external. It is always better to cut a whole stalk and place the party not
to use in the refrigerator, it better than cutting a piece of stalk or leaf and
leave the remaining on the ground.
Medicinal properties of Aloe Vera or Aloe:
It contains vitamins A, group B, C, mucilage, minerals, tannins, oils, (oleic
and linoleum) fatty acids, amino acids,
It has the ability to regenerate skin cells
It restores digestive disorder
It has purifying effect
[18]

Promotes regeneration of internal tissues

Eliminates fungi and viruses
Regenerates skin cells
It has analgesic properties
Protects the immune system
It has anti-inflammatory effects
Besides having many beneficial properties for our health, Aloe Vera is
able to absorb toxic elements derived from PVC materials, paints,
enamels, etc.
NEEM
For thousands of years the beneficial
properties of Neem (Azadirachta Indica
A. Juss) have been recognized in the
Indian tradition. Each part of the neem
tree has some medicinal property.
Biswas et al (2002) have recently
reviewed the biological activities some
of
the
Neem
compounds,
pharmacological actions of the Neem
extracts, clinical study and plausible
medicinal applications of Neem along
with their safety evaluation.
Neem has two closely related species: A. indica A. Juss and M. azedarac,
the former is popularly known as Indian Neem (Margosa Tree) or Indian
Lilac, and the other as the Persian lilac. Neem has been extensively used
in ayurveda, unani and homoeopathic medicine. The Sanskrit name of
Neem tree is Arishtha meaning 'reliever of sickness' and hence is
considered as Sarbaroganibarini. The tree is still regarded as 'village
dispensary' in India. The importance of the Neem tree has been
recognized by US National Academy of Sciences, which published a report
in 1992 entitled 'Neem a tree for solving global problems'.
More than 135 compounds have been isolated from different parts of
Neem and several reviews have also been published on the chemistry and
structural diversity of these compounds.
[19]

The compounds have been divided into two major classes: isoprenoids
(like diterpenoids and triterpenoids containing protomeliacins, limonoids,
azadirone and its derivatives, gedunin and its derivatives, vilasinin type of
compounds and C- secomeliacins such as nimbin, salanin, azadirachtin
and non-isoprenoids, which are proteins (amino acids) and carbohydrates
(polysaccharides), sulphurous compounds, polyphenolics such as
flavonoids and their glycosides, dihydrochalcone, coumarin and tannins,
aliphatic compounds, etc.
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF SOME NEEM COMPOUNDS
Nimbidin, a major crude bitter principle extracted from the oil of seed
kernels of A. indica demonstrated several biological activities. From this
crude principle some tetranortriterpenes, including nimbin, nimbinin,
nimbidinin, nimbolide and nimbidic acid have been isolated.
BIOLOGICAL USAGES OF NEEM COMPOUNDS
Anti-inflammatory; Antiarthritic; Antipyretic; Hypoglycaemic; Antigastric
ulcer; Spermicidal; Antifungal; Antibacterial; Diuretic; Antimalarial;
Antitumour; Immunomodulatory etc.
MEDICAL USES
Various parts of the neem tree have been used as traditional Ayurvedic
medicine in India. Neem oil and the bark and leaf extracts have been
therapeutically used as folk medicine to control leprosy, intestinal
helminthiasis, respiratory disorders, and constipation, also as a general
health promoter. Its use for the treatment of rheumatism, chronic
syphilitic sores and indolent ulcer has also been evident. Neem Oil finds
use to control various skin infections. Bark, leaf, root, flower and fruit
together cure blood morbidity, biliary afflictions, itching, skin ulcers,
burning sensations and phthisis.
IMMUNOSTIMULANT ACTIVITY
The aqueous extract of Neem bark and leaf also possesses
anticomplement and immunostimulant activity. Neem Oil has been shown
to possess activity by selectively activating the cell-mediated immune
mechanisms to elicit an enhanced response to subsequent mitogenic or
antigenic challenge.

[20]

HYPOGLYCAEMIC ACTIVITY
Aqueous extract of Neem leaves significantly decreases blood sugar level
and prevents adrenaline as well as glucose-induced hyperglycaemia.
Recently, hypoglycaemic effect was observed with leaf extract and seed
oil, in normal as well as alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits.
ANTIULCER EFFECT
Neem leaf and bark aqueous extracts produce highly potent antiacid
secretory and antiulcer activity.
ANTIFERTILITY EFFECT
Intra-vaginal application of Neem Oil, prior to coitus, can prevent
pregnancy. It could be a novel method of contraception.
ANTIMALARIAL ACTIVITY
Neem Seed and Leaf Extracts are effective against both choroquinresistant and sensitive strain malarial parasites.
ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY
Extracts of Neem Leaf, Neem Oil Seed kernels are effective against certain
fungi including Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Microspor Trichosporon,
Geotricum and Candida.

[21]

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY
Oil from the leaves, seed and bark possesses a wide spectrum of
antibacterial
action
against
Gram-negative
and
Gram-positive
microorganisms, including M. tuberculosis and streptomycin resistant
strains. In vitro, it inhibits Vibrio cholerae Klebsiella pneumoniae, M.
tuberculosis and M. pyogenes. Antimicrobial effects of neem extract have
been demonstrated against Streptococcus mutans and S. faecalis.
ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY
Aqueous leaf extract offers antiviral activity against Vaccine virus,
Chikungemya and measles virus.
ANTICANCER ACTIVITY
Neem leaf aqueous extract effectively suppresses oral squamous cell
carcinoma induced by 7, 12-dimethylbenz anthracene (DMBA), as
revealed by reduced incidence of neoplasm. Neem may exert its
chemopreventive effect in the oral mucosa by modulation of glutathione
and its metabolizing enzymes.
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY
The antioxidant activity of Neem Seed Extract has been demonstrated in
vivo during horse- grain germination.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTS
Varying degrees of central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity in
mice was observed with the leaf extract. Fractions of acetone extract of
leaf showed significant CNS depressant activity.
Possible medicinal applications of Neem
NEEM EXTRACT
Its effective to cure ringworm, eczema and scabies. Lotion derived from
Neem Leaf, when locally applied, can cure these dermatological diseases
within 3-4 days in acute stage or a fortnight in chronic case. A paste
prepared with Neem and Turmeric was found to be effective in the
treatment of scabies in nearly 814 people100.
Neem Leaf Extract has been prescribed for oral use for the treatment of
malaria by Indian ayurvedic practitioners from time immemorial.
[22]

Recently, a clinical trial has been carried out to see the efficacy of Neem
extract to control hyperlipidemia in a group of malarial patients severely
infected with P. falciparum. The lipid level, especially cholesterol, was
found to be lower during therapy when compared to non-malaria patients.
Reports are available regarding the use of Neem to treat patients
suffering from various forms of cancer. One patient with parotid tumour
and another with epidermoid carcinoma have responded successfully
when treated with Neem Seed Oi1.
NIM- 76, a refined product from Neem Oil, was studied in human
volunteers, where intra-vaginal application before sexual intercourse
could prevent pregnancy with no adverse effect on vagina, cervix and
uterus. The data suggested that intrauterine treatment is safe.
Safety evaluation with various parts of Neem and Neem Products
Various studies have been reported on the safety evaluation of different
parts of Neem as well as its various biologically active products.
Nimbidin produces sub-acute toxicity in adult rats after daily
administration of 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg for six weeks. A significant
hypoglycaemic effect was observed by feeding nimbidin to fasting rabbits.
Nimbidin also has spermicidal activity. Nimbolide, a major chemical
component of Neem Seed Oil, and nimbic acid were found to be toxic to
mice when given intravenously or intraperitoneally. They are, however,
less toxic to rats and hamster. Nimbolide and nimbic acid at a lethal dose
cause death in most animals by dysfunction of kidney, small intestine and
liver as well as by marked and sudden drop of arterial blood pressure.
Conclusion
It is heartening to see that a traditional Indian plant medicine has now
led to several therapeutically and industrially useful preparations and
compounds, which generates enough encouragement among the
scientists in exploring more information about this medicinal plant.
As the global scenario is now changing towards the use of nontoxic plant
products having traditional medicinal use, development of modem drugs
from Neem should be emphasized for the control of various diseases. In
fact, time has come to make good use of centuries-old knowledge on
Neem through modern approaches of drug development. For the last few
years, there has been an increasing trend and awareness in Neem
research.
[23]

Quite a significant amount of research has already been carried out during
the past few decades in exploring the chemistry of different parts of Neem.
An extensive research and development work should be undertaken on Neem
and its products for their better economic and therapeutic utilization.

VIGENAR

Anti-infective Properties
The use of vinegar to fight infections and other acute
conditions dates back to Hippocrates (460-377 BC; the
father of modern medicine), who recommended a
vinegar preparation for cleaning ulcerations and for
the treatment of sores. Oxymel, a popular ancient
medicine composed of honey and vinegar, was
prescribed for persistent coughs by Hippocrates and
his contemporaries, and by physicians up to modern
day. The formulation of oxymel was detailed in the
British Pharmacopoeia (1898) and the German
Pharmacopoeia (1872), and, according to the French
Codex (1898), the medicine was prepared by mixing
virgin honey, 4 parts, with white wine vinegar.

Undiluted vinegar can be used effectively for cleaning dentures, and,

unlike bleach solutions, vinegar residues left on dentures are not
associated with mucosal damage.
Immediate vinegar application at the site of jellyfish stings is practiced at
various coastal locations around the world, because vinegar deactivates
the nematocysts.
Hot-water immersion is also considered for the initial treatment for
jellyfish envenomation because the venom is deactivated by heat.
Vinegar washes are used by midwives in remote, poorly resourced
locations (eg, Zimbabwe and the Amazon jungle) to screen women for the
human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Contact with acetic acid causes
visual alterations of the viral lesions permitting rapid detection of
infection with 77% sensitivity and the option of immediate treatment
with cryotherapy.
Vinegar has been used for thousands of years, to flavour and preserve
foods, heal wounds, fight infections, clean surfaces, manage diabetes and
is highly valued as a culinary agent.
Vinegar when use as a cleaner in the form of spray or cleaning lotion in
flies infected locations; will distract flies and most bugs.
[24]

HOW RISKY ARE MOSQUITOES BITES?

A mosquito bite can mean much more than a few days of itching. For
some people, they can cause severe allergic reactions. Plus, there are
mosquito-transmitted illnesses, which can cause serious medical
complications and death, as you will read regarding the following
mosquitoes transmitted diseases.
MALARIA

KEY FACTS
Malaria is a life-threatening disease
caused by parasites that are transmitted
to people through the bites of infected
mosquitoes.
In 2013, malaria caused an estimated
584 000 deaths (with an uncertainty
range of 367 000 to 755 000), mostly
among African children.

MALERIA IS PREVENTABLE AND CURABLE

Increased malaria prevention and control measures are dramatically
reducing the malaria burden in many places.
Non-immune travellers from malaria-free areas are very vulnerable to the
disease when they get infected.
According to the latest estimates, released in December 2014, there were
about 198 million cases of malaria in 2013 (with an uncertainty range of
124 million to 283 million) and an estimated 584 000 deaths (with an
uncertainty range of 367 000 to 755 000). Malaria mortality rates have
fallen by 47% globally since 2000, and by 54% in the WHO African
Region.
Most deaths occur among children living in Africa where a child dies every
minute from malaria. Malaria mortality rates among children in Africa
have been reduced by an estimated 58% since 2000.
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites. The parasites are spread to
people through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, called
"malaria vectors", which bite mainly between dusk and dawn.

[25]

There are four parasite species that cause malaria in humans:

Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium vivax
Plasmodium malariae
Plasmodium ovale.
Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are the most common;
where Plasmodium falciparum is the most deadly.
In recent years, some human cases of malaria have also occurred with
Plasmodium knowlesi a species that causes malaria among monkeys
and occurs in certain forested areas of South-East Asia.
TRANSMISSION
Malaria is transmitted exclusively through the bites of Anopheles
mosquitoes. The intensity of transmission depends on factors related to
the parasite, the vector, the human host, and the environment.
About 20 different Anopheles species are locally important around the
world. All of the important vector species bite at night. Anopheles
mosquitoes breed in water and each species has its own breeding
preference; for example some prefer shallow collections of fresh water,
such as puddles, rice fields, and hoof prints. Transmission is more intense
in places where the mosquito lifespan is longer (so that the parasite has
time to complete its development inside the mosquito) and where it
prefers to bite humans rather than other animals. For example, the long
lifespan and strong human-biting habit of the African vector species is the
main reason why about 90% of the world's malaria deaths are in Africa.
Transmission also depends on climatic conditions that may affect the
number and survival of mosquitoes, such as rainfall patterns, temperature
and humidity. In many places, transmission is seasonal, with the peak
during and just after the rainy season. Malaria epidemics can occur when
climate and other conditions suddenly favour transmission in areas where
people have little or no immunity to malaria.
They can also occur when people with low immunity move into areas with
intense malaria transmission, for instance to find work, or as refugees.

[26]

Human immunity is another important factor, especially among adults in

areas of moderate or intense transmission conditions. Partial immunity is
developed over years of exposure, and while it never provides complete
protection, it does reduce the risk that malaria infection will cause severe
disease. For this reason, most malaria deaths in Africa occur in young
children, whereas in areas with less transmission and low immunity, all
age groups are at risk.
SYMPTOMS
Malaria is an acute febrile illness. In a non-immune individual, symptoms
appear seven days or more (usually 1015 days) after the infective
mosquito bite. The first symptoms fever, headache, chills and vomiting
may be mild and difficult to recognize as malaria. If not treated within
24 hours, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness often
leading to death. Children with severe malaria frequently develop one or
more of the following symptoms: severe anaemia, respiratory distress in
relation to metabolic acidosis, or cerebral malaria. In adults, multi-organ
involvement is also frequent. In malaria endemic areas, persons may
develop partial immunity, allowing asymptomatic infections to occur.
For both P. vivax and P. ovale, clinical relapses may occur weeks to
months after the first infection, even if the patient has left the malarious
area. These new episodes arise from dormant liver forms known as
hypnozoites (absent in P. falciparum and P. malariae); special treatment
targeted at these liver stages is required for a complete cure.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Approximately half of the world's population is at risk of malaria. Most
malaria cases and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. However, Asia,
Latin America, and to a lesser extent the Middle East and parts of Europe
are also affected. In 2014, 97 countries and territories had ongoing
malaria transmission.
SPECIAL POPULATION RISK GROUP
Young children in stable transmission areas who have not yet developed
protective immunity against the most severe forms of the disease;
Non-immune pregnant women as malaria
miscarriage and can lead to maternal death;

[27]

causes

high

rates

of

Semi-immune pregnant women in areas of high transmission. Malaria can

result in miscarriage and low birth weight, especially during first and
second pregnancies;
Semi-immune HIV-infected pregnant women in stable transmission areas,
during all pregnancies. Women with malaria infection of the placenta also
have a higher risk of passing HIV infection to their newborns;
People with HIV/AIDS;
International travellers from non-endemic areas because they lack
immunity;
Immigrants from endemic areas and their children living in non-endemic
areas and returning to their home countries to visit friends and relatives
are similarly at risk because of waning or absent immunity.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria reduces disease and prevents
deaths. It also contributes to reducing malaria transmission.
The best available treatment, particularly for P. falciparum malaria, is
artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).
WHO recommends that all cases of suspected malaria be confirmed using
parasite-based diagnostic testing (either microscopy or rapid diagnostic
test) before administering treatment. Results of parasitological
confirmation can be available in 15 minutes or less. Treatment solely on
the basis of symptoms should only be considered when a parasitological
diagnosis is not possible. More detailed recommendations are available in
the "Guidelines for the treatment of malaria" (second edition). An
updated edition will be published in 2015.
ANTIMALARIA DRUG RESISTANCE
Resistance to antimalarial medicines is a recurring problem. Resistance of
P. falciparum to previous generations of medicines, such as chloroquine
and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), became widespread in the 1970s
and 1980s, undermining malaria control efforts and reversing gains in
child survival.
In recent years, parasite resistance to artemisinins has been detected in 5
countries of the Greater Mekong subregion: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar,
Thailand and Viet Nam.
[28]

While there are likely many factors that contribute to the emergence and
spread of resistance, the use of oral artemisinins alone, as monotherapy,
is thought to be an important driver. When treated with an oral
artemisinin-based monotherapy, patients may discontinue treatment
prematurely following the rapid disappearance of malaria symptoms.
These results in incomplete treatment; and such patients still have
persistent parasites in their blood. Without a second drug given as part of
a combination (as is provided with an ACT), these resistant parasites
survive and can be passed on to a mosquito and then another person.
If resistance to artemisinins develops and spreads to other large
geographical areas, the public health consequences could be dire.
WHO recommends the routine monitoring of antimalarial drug resistance,
and supports countries to strengthen their efforts in this important area
of work.
More comprehensive recommendations are available in the "WHO Global
Plan for Artemisinin Resistance Containment (GPARC)", which was
released in 2011. For countries in the Greater Mekong subregion, WHO
has issued a regional framework for action titled "Emergency response to
artemisinin resistance in the Greater Mekong subregion" in 2013.
PREVENTION
Vector control is the main way to reduce malaria transmission at the
community level. It is the only intervention that can reduce malaria
transmission from very high levels to close to zero.
For individuals, personal protection against mosquito bites represents the
first line of defence for malaria prevention.
Two forms of
circumstances.

vector

control

are

effective

in

wide

range

of

Insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs)

Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are the preferred form of ITNs for
public health distribution programmes. WHO recommends coverage for all
at-risk persons; and in most settings.
The most cost effective way to achieve this is through provision of free
LLINs, so that everyone sleeps under a LLIN every night.
[29]

IINDOOR SPRAYING WITH RESIDUAL INSECTICIDES

Indoor residual spraying (IRS) with insecticides is a powerful way to
rapidly reduce malaria transmission. Its full potential is realized when at
least 80% of houses in targeted areas are sprayed. Indoor spraying is
effective for 36 months, depending on the insecticide used and the type
of surface on which it is sprayed. DDT can be effective for 912 months in
some cases. Longer-lasting forms of existing IRS insecticides, as well as
new classes of insecticides for use in IRS programmes, are under
development.
Antimalarial medicines can also be used to prevent malaria. For travellers,
malaria can be prevented through chemoprophylaxis, which suppresses
the blood stage of malaria infections, thereby preventing malaria disease.
In addition, WHO recommends intermittent preventive treatment with
sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for
pregnant
women
living
in
high
transmission areas, at each scheduled antenatal visit after the first
trimester. Similarly, for infants living in high-transmission areas of Africa,
3 doses of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxinepyrimethamine is recommended delivered alongside routine vaccinations.
In 2012, WHO recommended Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention as an
additional malaria prevention strategy for areas of the Sahel sub-Region
of Africa. The strategy involves the administration of monthly courses of
amodiaquine plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine to all children less than 5
years of age during the high transmission season.
INSECTICDE RESISTANCE
Much of the success to date in controlling malaria is due to vector control.
Vector control is highly dependent on the use of pyrethroids, which are
the only class of insecticides currently recommended for ITNs or LLINs. In
recent years, mosquito resistance to pyrethroids has emerged in many
countries. In some areas, resistance to all 4 classes of insecticides used
for public health has been detected. Fortunately, this resistance has only
rarely been associated with decreased efficacy, and LLINs and IRS remain
highly effective tools in almost all settings.
However, countries in sub-Saharan Africa and India are of significant
concern.

[30]

These countries are characterized by high levels of malaria transmission

and widespread reports of insecticide resistance. The development of
new, alternative insecticides is a high priority and several promising
products are in the pipeline. Development of new insecticides for use on
bed nets is a particular priority.
Detection of insecticide resistance should be an essential component of
all national malaria control efforts to ensure that the most effective
vector control methods are being used. The choice of insecticide for IRS
should always be informed by recent, local data on the susceptibility
target vectors.
In order to ensure a timely and coordinated global response to the threat
of insecticide resistance, WHO has worked with a wide range of
stakeholders to develop the "Global Plan for Insecticide Resistance
Management in malaria vectors" (GPIRM), which was released in May
2012. The GPIRM puts forward a five-pillar strategy calling on the global
malaria community to:
Plan and implement insecticide resistance management strategies in
malaria-endemic countries;
Ensure proper and timely entomological and resistance monitoring, and
effective data management;
Develop new and innovative vector control tools;
Fill gaps in knowledge on mechanisms of insecticide resistance and the
impact of current insecticide resistance management approaches; and
Ensure that enabling mechanisms (advocacy as well as human and
financial resources) are in place.
SURVEILLANCE
Tracking progress is a major challenge in malaria control. In 2012,
malaria surveillance systems detected only around 14% of the estimated
global number of cases. Stronger malaria surveillance systems are
urgently needed to enable a timely and effective malaria response in
endemic regions, to prevent outbreaks and resurgences, to track
progress, and to hold governments and the global malaria community
accountable.

[31]

ELIMATION
Malaria elimination is defined as interrupting local mosquito-borne
malaria transmission in a defined geographical area, i.e. zero incidences
of locally contracted cases. Malaria eradication is defined as the
permanent reduction to zero of the worldwide incidence of malaria
infection caused by a specific agent; i.e. applies to a particular malaria
parasite species.
On the basis of reported cases for 2013, 55 countries are on track to
reduce their malaria case incidence rates by 75%, in line with World
Health Assembly targets for 2015. Large-scale use of WHO-recommended
strategies, currently available tools, strong national commitments, and
coordinated efforts with partners, will enable more countries
particularly those where malaria transmission is low and unstable to
reduce their disease burden and progress towards elimination.
In recent years, 4 countries have been certified by the WHO DirectorGeneral as having eliminated malaria: United Arab Emirates (2007),
Morocco (2010), Turkmenistan (2010), and Armenia (2011).
VACCINES AGAINST MALARIA
There are currently no licensed vaccines against malaria or any other
human parasite. One research vaccine against P. Falciparum, known as
RTS, S/AS01, is most advanced. This vaccine has been evaluated in a
large clinical trial in 7 countries in Africa and has been submitted to the
European Medicines Agency under art. 58 for regulatory review. A WHO
recommendation for use will depend on the final results from the large
clinical trial and a positive regulatory review. The recommendation as to
whether or not this vaccine should be added to existing malaria control
tools is expected in late 2015.
WHO RESPONSE
The WHO Global Malaria Programme (GMP) is responsible for charting the
course for malaria control and elimination through:
Setting, communicating and promoting the adoption of evidence-based
norms, standards, policies, technical strategies, and guidelines;
Keeping independent score of global progress;
Developing approaches for capacity building, systems strengthening, and
surveillance;
[32]

Identifying threats to malaria control and elimination as well as new

areas for action.
GMP serves as the secretariat for the Malaria Policy Advisory Committee
(MPAC), a group of 15 global malaria experts appointed following an open
nomination process. The MPAC, which meets twice yearly, provides
independent advice to WHO to develop policy recommendations for the
control and elimination of malaria. The mandate of MPAC is to provide
strategic advice and technical input, and extends to all aspects of malaria
control and elimination, as part of a transparent, responsive and credible
policy setting process.
Over 311 million clinical cases of malaria occurred, and 708,000 1,003,000 people died of malaria, most of them children in Africa.
Because malaria causes so much illness and death, the disease is a great
drain on many national economies. Since many countries with malaria are
already among the poorer nations, the disease maintains a vicious cycle
of disease and poverty.
DENGUE

Dengue
Fever,
also
known
as
breakbone fever, is a mosquito-borne
tropical disease caused by the dengue
virus.
Symptoms
include
fever,
headache, muscle and joint pains, and
a characteristic skin rash that is
similar to measles.

DENGUE MOSQUITOES
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main vector that transmits the viruses
that cause dengue. The viruses are passed on to humans through the
bites of an infective female Aedes mosquito, which mainly acquires the
virus while feeding on the blood of an infected person.
Within the mosquito, the virus infects the mosquito mid-gut and
subsequently spreads to the salivary glands over a period of 8-12 days.
After this incubation period, the virus can be transmitted to humans
during subsequent probing or feeding.
[33]

The immature stages are found in water-filled habitats, mostly in artificial

containers closely associated with human dwellings and often indoors.
Flight range studies suggest that most female Ae. aegypti may spend
their lifetime in or around the houses where they emerge as adults and
they usually fly an average of 400 metres. This means that people, rather
than mosquitoes, rapidly move the virus within and between communities
and places.
Dengue infection rates are higher outdoors and during daytime, when
these mosquitoes (Stegomyia) bite most frequently. However; Ae. aegypti
breed indoors and are capable of biting anyone throughout the day. The
indoor habitat is less susceptible to climatic variations and increases the
mosquitoes longevity.
Dengue outbreaks have also been attributed to Aedes albopictus, Aedes
polynesiensis and several species of the Aedes scutellaris complex. Each
of these species has a particular ecology, behaviour and geographical
distribution.
Ae. albopictus is primarily a forest species that has become adapted to
rural, suburban and urban human environments. In recent decades Aedes
albopictus has spread from Asia to Africa, the Americas and Europe,
notably aided by the international trade in used tyres in which eggs are
deposited when they contain rainwater. The eggs can withstand very dry
conditions (desiccation) and remain viable for many months in the
absence of water and the European strain of Aedes albopictus can
undergo a period of reduced development (diapause) during the winter
months.
YELLOW FEVER
YELLOW FEVER MOSQUITOES
KEY FACTS
Yellow
fever
is
an
acute
viral
haemorrhagic disease transmitted by
infected mosquitoes. The "yellow" in the
name refers to the jaundice that affects
some patients.

[34]

Up to 50% of severely affected persons without treatment will die from

yellow fever.
There are an estimated 200,000 cases of yellow fever, causing 30,000
deaths, worldwide each year, with 90% occurring in Africa.
The virus is endemic in tropical areas of Africa and Latin America, with a
combined population of over 900 million people.
The number of yellow fever cases has increased over the past two
decades due to declining population immunity to infection, deforestation,
urbanization, population movements and climate change.
There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Treatment is symptomatic,
aimed at reducing the symptoms for the comfort of the patient.
Vaccination is the most important preventive measure against yellow
fever. The vaccine is safe, affordable and highly effective, and a single
dose of yellow fever vaccine is sufficient to confer sustained immunity
and life-long protection against yellow fever disease and a booster dose
of yellow fever vaccine is not needed. The vaccine provides effective
immunity within 30 days for 99% of persons vaccinated.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Once contracted, the virus incubates in the body for 3 to 6 days, followed
by infection that can occur in one or two phases. The first, "acute", phase
usually causes fever, muscle pain with prominent backache, headache,
shivers, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting. Most patients improve
and their symptoms disappear after 3 to 4 days.
However, 15% of patients enter a second, more toxic phase within 24
hours of the initial remission. High fever returns and several body
systems are affected. The patient rapidly develops jaundice and
complains of abdominal pain with vomiting. Bleeding can occur from the
mouth, nose, eyes or stomach. Once this happens, blood appears in the
vomit and faeces. Kidney function deteriorates. Half of the patients who
enter the toxic phase die within 10 to 14 days, the rest recover without
significant organ damage.

[35]

Yellow fever is difficult to diagnose, especially during the early stages. It

can be confused with severe malaria, dengue hemorrhagic fever,
leptospirosis, viral hepatitis (especially the fulminating forms of hepatitis
B and D), other hemorrhagic fevers (Bolivian, Argentine, Venezuelan
hemorrhagic fevers and others flavivirus as West Nile, Zika virus etc) and
other diseases, as well as poisoning. Blood tests can detect yellow fever
antibodies produced in response to the infection. Several other
techniques are used to identify the virus in blood specimens or liver tissue
collected after death. These tests require highly trained laboratory staff
and specialized equipment and materials.
POPULATIONS AT RISK
Forty-four endemic countries in Africa and Latin America, with a
combined population of over 900 million, are at risk. In Africa, an
estimated 508 million people live in 31 countries at risk. The remaining
population at risk are in 13 countries in Latin America, with Bolivia, Brazil,
Colombia, Ecuador and Peru at greatest risk.
According to WHO estimates from the early 1990s, 200,000 cases of
yellow fever, with 30,000 deaths, are expected globally each year, with
90% occurring in Africa. A recent analysis of African data sources due to
be published later this year, estimates similar figures, but a slightly lower
burden of 84,000170,000 severe cases and 29,00060,000 deaths due to
yellow fever in Africa for the year 2013. Without vaccination, the burden
figures would be much higher.
Small numbers of imported cases occur in countries free of yellow fever.
Although the disease has never been reported in Asia, the region is at risk
because the conditions required for transmission are present there. In the
past centuries (XVII to XIX), outbreaks of yellow fever were reported in
North America (Charleston, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, etc)
and Europe (England, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain).
TRANSMISSION
The yellow fever virus is an arbovirus of the flavivirus genus, and the
mosquito is the primary vector. It carries the virus from one host to
another, primarily between monkeys, from monkeys to humans, and from
person to person.
Several different species of the Aedes and Haemogogus mosquitoes
transmit the virus.
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The mosquitoes either breed around houses (domestic), in the jungle

(wild) or in both habitats (semi-domestic). There are three types of
transmission cycles.
Sylvatic (or jungle) yellow fever: In tropical rainforests, yellow fever
occurs in monkeys that are infected by wild mosquitoes. The infected
monkeys then pass the virus to other mosquitoes that feed on them. The
infected mosquitoes bite humans entering the forest, resulting in
occasional cases of yellow fever. The majority of infections occur in young
men working in the forest (e.g. for logging).
Intermediate yellow fever: In humid or semi-humid parts of Africa, smallscale epidemics occur. Semi-domestic mosquitoes (that breed in the wild
and around households) infect both monkeys and humans. Increased
contact between people and infected mosquitoes leads to transmission.
Many separate villages in an area can suffer cases simultaneously. This is
the most common type of outbreak in Africa. An outbreak can become a
more severe epidemic if the infection is carried into an area populated
with both domestic mosquitoes and unvaccinated people.
Urban yellow fever: Large epidemics occur when infected people
introduce the virus into densely populated areas with a high number of
non-immune people and Aedes mosquitoes. Infected mosquitoes transmit
the virus from person to person.
TREATMENT
There is no specific treatment for yellow fever, only supportive care to
treat dehydration, respiratory failure and fever. Associated bacterial
infections can be treated with antibiotics. Supportive care may improve
outcomes for seriously ill patients, but it is rarely available in poorer
areas.
PREVENTION-VACCINATION
Vaccination is the single most important measure for preventing yellow
fever. In high risk areas where vaccination coverage is low, prompt
recognition and control of outbreaks through immunization is critical to
prevent epidemics. To prevent outbreaks throughout affected regions,
vaccination coverage must reach at least 60% to 80% of a population at
risk. Few endemic countries that recently benefited from a preventive
mass vaccination campaign in Africa currently have this level of coverage.
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Preventive vaccination can be offered through routine infant

immunization and one-time mass campaigns to increase vaccination
coverage in countries at risk, as well as for travellers to yellow fever
endemic area. WHO strongly recommends routine yellow fever
vaccination for children in areas at risk for the disease.
The yellow fever vaccine is safe and affordable, providing effective
immunity against yellow fever within 10 days for 80100% of people and
99% immunity within 30 days. A single dose of yellow fever vaccine is
sufficient to confer sustained immunity and life-long protection against
yellow fever disease and a booster dose of yellow fever vaccine is not
needed. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Serious adverse events
have been reported rarely following immunization in a few endemic areas
and among vaccinated travellers (e.g. in Australia, Brazil, Peru, Togo and
the United States of America). Scientists are investigating the causes.
In regard to the use of yellow fever vaccine in people over 60 years of
age, it is noted that while the risk of yellow fever vaccine-associated
viscerotropic disease in peoples 60 years of age is higher than in
younger ages, the overall risk remains low. Vaccination should be
administrated after careful risk-benefit assessment, comparing the risk of
acquiring yellow fever disease versus the risk of a potential serious
adverse event following immunization for peoples 60 years of age who
have not been previously vaccinated and for whom the vaccine is
recommended.
The risk of death from yellow fever disease is far greater than the risks
related to the vaccine. People who should not recommended to be
vaccinated include:
Children aged less than 9 months (or between 69 months during an
epidemic, where the risk of disease is higher than an adverse event of the
vaccine);
Pregnant women except during a yellow fever outbreak when the risk of
Infection is high;
People with severe allergies to egg protein; and
People with severe immunodeficiency due to symptomatic HIV/AIDS or
other causes, or in the presence of a thymus disorder.

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Travellers, particularly those arriving to Asia from Africa or Latin America

must have a certificate of yellow fever vaccination. If there are medical
grounds for not getting vaccinated, International Health Regulations state
that this must be certified by the appropriate authorities.
MOSQUITO CONTROL
In some situations, mosquito control is vital until vaccination takes effect.
The risk of yellow fever transmission in urban areas can be reduced by
eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites and applying insecticides to
water where they develop in their earliest stages. Application of spray
insecticides to kill adult mosquitoes during urban epidemics, combined
with emergency vaccination campaigns, can reduce or halt yellow fever
transmission, "buying time" for vaccinated populations to build immunity.
Historically, mosquito control campaigns successfully eliminated Aedes
aegypti, the urban yellow fever vector, from most mainland countries of
Central and South America. However, this mosquito species has
re-colonized urban areas in the region and poses a renewed risk of urban
yellow fever.
Mosquito control programmes targeting wild mosquitoes in forested areas
are not practical for preventing jungle (or sylvatic) yellow fever
transmission.
EPIDEMIC PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
Prompt detection of yellow fever and rapid response through emergency
vaccination campaigns are essential for controlling outbreaks. However,
underreporting is a concern the true number of cases is estimated to be
10 to 250 times what is now being reported.
WHO recommends that every at-risk country have at least one national
laboratory where basic yellow fever blood tests can be performed. One
laboratory confirmed case of yellow fever in an unvaccinated population
could be considered an outbreak, and a confirmed case in any context
must be fully investigated, particularly in any area where most of the
population has been vaccinated.
Investigation teams must assess and respond to the outbreak with both
emergency measures and longer-term immunization plans.

[39]

The Yellow Fever Initiative is a preventive control strategy of vaccination

led by WHO and supported by UNICEF and National Governments, with a
particular focus on most high endemic countries in Africa where the
disease is most prominent. The Initiative recommends including yellow
fever vaccines in routine infant immunizations (starting at age 9 months),
implementing mass vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas for people in
all age groups aged 9 months and older, and maintaining surveillance and
outbreak response capacity.
CAUTION
These under-mentioned remedies, natural preventative lotions or creams,
should be used with caution, and by no means are cure or prevention for
mosquitoes and other insects bites.
People should consult with the Public Health Authorities in the location
they live, visiting or travelling into.
People with sensitive skin should consult their skin specialist or medical
doctor, if they feel any secondary reactions; or even before using these
simple remedies, natural preventative lotions or creams.
People should always obtain vaccination for these different types of
diseases and viruses.
People should not use these under-mentioned remedies, lotions or creams
as a replacement of the required vaccine for diseases and viruses.
People should at all cost restrain from going to infected locations
knowingly, without proper medical care.
People should know that in both animals and insects, the females are
deadlier than the male.
People should restrain from going to remote locations and the jungle
during mating seasons, if they are not professionals in these jungles
environments.
People should contact the Local Authorities for safety advice and
permission, before travelling to remote areas and jungles.
People should be accompanied with expert guides, when travelling to
remote and high risk areas.

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REMEDIES LOTIONS - CREAMS

1 Lime Juice, mixed with Alcohol and Johnson Baby Oil; when rubbed on
skin, distract mosquitoes and most insects.
2 Pure Garlic Oil when rubbed on shoes, boots and clothes; distract
snakes.
3 Garlic Oil mixed with Johnson Baby Oil, when rubbed on skin; distract
mosquitoes and most insects.
4 Ginger Oil (Zingiber officinale) has a warm, spicy fragrance that is
energizing, when rubbed on skin; distract mosquitoes and most insects.
5 Kerosene when rubbed on pants and boots; distract snakes, scorpions
and spiders.
6 Neem Oil mixed with Johnson Baby Oil, when rubbed on skin; distract
mosquitoes and most insects.
7 Peppermint Oil mixed with Johnson Baby Oil, when rubbed on skin;
distract mosquitoes and most insects.
8 Pure Lime Juice, Pure Garlic Oil, Pure Ginger Oil, Pure Neem Oil and
Pure Peppermint Oil, when apply to the affected areas for ants bites, bee
and wasp stings, eliminate the swelling and ease the pain considerable.
Treating bee and wasp stings depends on their severity. The majority of
problems that require medical attention come from an allergic reaction to
the sting. In most cases, complications from that reaction respond well to
medications -- when given in time.
Treatment of Bee and Wasp Stings
Remove any stingers immediately and apply any of these natural
products: Pure Lime Juice, Pure Garlic Oil, Pure Ginger Oil, Pure Neem Oil
or Pure Peppermint Oil.
As DOCTORS ACROSS BORDERS, we are face with these challenges
everyday; and we use all of the mentioned Remedies, Lotions and Creams;
most we prepare ourselves.
The best of luck, stay healthy and safe.
Dr. McYearwood M.M.C
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