Nairobi, A City Invaded By A Swarm of Mosquitoes: Any Reason To Worry?

Have you noticed a sudden increase in the number of mosquitoes in Nairobi recently?

Has Nairobi been invaded by a swarm of mosquitoes baying for human blood?

Should those living within Nairobi be worried for an outbreak of malaria and other mosquito-related diseases?

Mosquitoes have invaded Nairobi. In fact, the “singing” insects seem to be working overtime. They no longer strike at their usual time; night. They are biting people as early as 1 pm, in broad daylight.

A sudden surge in the number of mosquitoes  has left most people in Nairobi worried. The insects have invaded homes, matatus, offices and even the open air.

Should people be worried? No. Experts are telling people in Nairobi to remain calm. The mosquitoes are harmless.

Chances of one getting malaria in Nairobi are at 1 percent. For a long time, Nairobi has been declared a malaria-free zone. Those who have been found with malaria within the city often have a history of having travelled out of the city.

Experts say the sudden increase of mosquitoes is because of the prolonged heat that has forced them to look for cooler places in houses.

“It is true that mosquitoes are too many in most homes. To some people this abnormal but it is not. The heat is to blame,” said Dr. Nambwana, a medical practitioner.

Dr. Nambwana says people should use mosquito nets, mosquito repellants or sleep with their whole body covered.

“Some people say that the mosquitoes are too many to the point of causing anaemia to someone. No. It is just that they are drawing so much blood. People should either fumigate or use the necessary measures,” he said.

Places within the house where mosquitoes are likely to hide include wardrobes because of the coolness and the dark, the bathroom because of water, below sinks and where water is stored.