My Yangon Guide: Beating the Pre-Winter Mosquitoes

To the people of Yangon, the cool breeze is subtly starting to sweep through, especially at night. Sunset during this transition to the cool season is a perfect time to enjoy a cup of coffee. However, a small annoyance often comes with this pleasure: mosquitoes that appear out of nowhere, right when you're trying to relax.

So, where are these mosquitoes coming from and why? How should we take care of it? And how can we protect ourselves in line with the Yangon Live-Style? MY Yangon Guide is presenting this article as a health awareness piece.

Why and Where Are Mosquitoes Appearing?

The simple answer is that it's the result of the combination of Yangon's transitional weather and the mosquito life cycle.

1. Remaining Puddles and Stagnant Water

The rainy season is officially over. But as you know, occasional, unseasonal showers can create stagnant water in places like roadsides, garbage bins, old tires, and plant pot saucers in and around your home. Mosquitoes need this still, stagnant water to lay their eggs. The cycle of rain followed by dry days creates an abundance of "hotels" for mosquitoes to breed.

2. Warm and Humid Conditions Remain

Although we call it the pre-winter period, the temperature in Yangon is still not cold enough to kill mosquitoes. The remaining warm and humid climate accelerates the breeding rate—from egg to larva to adult mosquito—leading to a rapid increase in the mosquito population.

 Special Warning: The Danger of Dengue Fever

This period is not just about nuisance mosquitoes. It is also the perfect time for the breeding of the Aedes aegypti (Black Mosquito), the carrier of Dengue Fever.

Characteristics of Aedes Mosquitoes:

• They mainly bite during the daytime.
• They lay eggs in clean stagnant water (e.g., water jars, indoor water storage containers).

Therefore, what should we do to stay safe from illness during this mosquito-heavy season?

Mosquito Protection in the Yangon Live-Style (The 3 R's)

Let's follow these three methods to protect against mosquitoes while keeping your home and environment clean and beautiful.

1. Remove (Eliminate Breeding Grounds)

• Remove Water. Thoroughly check items that can collect water (old tires, coconut shells, barrels, pet water bowls) around your house, yard, and balcony at least every three days. Empty, overturn, or cover any stagnant water. This cuts off the source where mosquito larvae are born.

2. Repel (Keep Them Away)

• Physical Barrier. Always use a mosquito net when sleeping at night.
• Mosquito Repellent. When going out or staying indoors, use a mosquito repellent lotion containing DEET (according to instructions). If necessary, use mosquito coils inside the house. Be cautious, as mosquito coils may have other side effects.

3. Recognize (Be Aware of Symptoms)

• Watch for Fever. If you experience symptoms like a sudden increase in temperature and fever, body aches, or skin rash during this season, do not self-medicate. Consult a doctor immediately to be tested for Dengue Fever.

Let's incorporate mosquito prevention into our Daily Routine to live peacefully during the slightly cool Yangon pre-winter. MY Yangon Guide wishes all the people of Yangon to be healthy and safe from mosquito-borne diseases.