Malaria, transmitted by mosquitoes, is raging in tropical regions such as Africa. According to estimates by the Gates Foundation, more than 700,000 people die from mosquito-borne diseases worldwide each year. Mosquitoes are considered the most lethal animal, spreading diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Even in countries considered low risk for diseases like malaria, mosquito migration has been observed due to global warming. Even temperate countries are increasingly required to take measures to prepare for mosquito outbreaks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, countries imposed restrictions on travel by plane and ship. However, there are signs that infectious disease pathogens may not only arrive by land or ship but also by air.
Until now, it has been believed that mosquitoes’ ranges are limited to within a few kilometers of their habitats near water or grassy areas. However, research published by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIA) calls into question this conventional wisdom. From 2018 to 2020, the institute floated balloons at altitudes of 120 to 290 meters in Mali and Ghana for approximately 200 days. The balloons were equipped with sticky panels to trap mosquitoes. 19 types of pathogens were found in the mosquitoes caught on the panels. Examination of the approximately 1,000 mosquitoes found 19 pathogens, including malaria, filariasis, and dengue fever. Calculating wind speed and other data from the balloons revealed that mosquitoes can ride the winds at high altitudes and travel tens to hundreds of kilometers in a single night. When infected mosquitoes travel hundreds of kilometers overnight, pathogens can easily spread across borders.
It will be essential for individuals to have knowledge about disease prevention in the future. For example, Google has successfully predicted influenza epidemics earlier than U.S. public health authorities. Smart people seem to use these predictions to avoid high-risk areas. This also strengthens government and other government measures. For example, we already have a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of infection and onset of the influenza virus. As with influenza, measures are being taken to combat COVID-19. Treatments and vaccines for COVID-19 have been put into practical use, and sufficient testing systems have been established. We hope that humanity will be able to overcome the next pandemic with wisdom.
