The Rise in Mosquito-Borne Illness and Natural Remedies to Protect Yourself

“In My Time” … yes, I know, this expression sounds very silly, but I feel compelled to use it. So, even during my childhood there were flies, mosquitoes and other small flying things that made our life difficult. But it seems they weren’t as numerous or as aggressive as today.

Now, being in the city, the local administration sprays about twice a year (at least in Reșita) with solutions designed to kill both mosquitoes and their larvae. Do you think it’s better? They would. No way. It seems that those little bugs have adapted to these substances and instead of dying, they are thriving. It’s like there are more, worse, more aggressive.

In the end it’s just a mosquito bite, but… the eternal but, it seems that they are transmitting a virus that was not really known about...”in my time”. Last week, at least 7 people in Romania aged over 50 contracted the disease, of which 3 people died due to complications.

There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for the West Nile virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, and over 10% of the mosquitoes in Romania carry the virus, according to a recent study by the Cantacuzino Institute.

Most cases were diagnosed after patients arrived at the hospital with meningitis or meningoencephalitis, an infection of the meninges and brain. In rare cases, patients can develop a serious infection of the nervous system after contracting the virus, resulting in paralysis, seizures, vision loss and coma.

And because we have to beware of them, we resort to all kinds of pills, sprays or solutions to combat them, or creams to remove the itching that occurs if we become their victims.

“In my time…“Grandma didn’t know about all these chemical remedies. She had other very effective methods (some also call them baby remedies). For example, in the evening, when after a day’s work they would gather in front of the gates, they would break two walnut twigs and put them on the floor, at their feet, and the mosquitoes wouldn’t get too close.

Also from the category of cures… another time, we can use: lavender, with a very pleasant and soothing smell, kept in bouquets by the window, in the sun, will prevent insects from entering the house; mint, because insects cannot stand the smell of mint; rosemary that repels flies and mosquitoes.

There would also be basil, cat’s-eye grass, marigolds or lemongrass or all kinds of oils: eucalyptus; tea tree (tea tree); Lemon; citronella; lavender; rosemary; geranium or mint.

Whichever method you choose to use, remember that one in 10 mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus.

Photo source: ViațaVerdeViu.ro

Dan AGACHE

2023-08-27 05:25:40
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